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From Lost In Eros – Book 1Orgy Amy, & More Games with ‘the Player'In 10 Parts By BradentonLarry.  Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels.Toshia eventually came upon Don when his head popped back up from a tangled ensemble of painted bodies, in the dark fluorescent party hall. An exotic looking woman with yellow stripes running down the length of her body was now positioning herself over Martina's face facing Don. Don gave the striped woman a smile, and then turned his attention to the green and yellow woman who had taken it upon herself to have him fuck her.Don worked his hand under her hip and gently nudged her upward. She got the idea pretty quickly, and started to lever herself up into a kneeling position without taking her mouth off the cock she'd been sucking. Don managed to move with her, kneeling as he did so. Once they were upright he began to fuck in and out of her seriously. He watched from behind as the woman's head bobbed up and down on the man's cock, almost in rhythm to the fucking Don was giving her cunt.Next to him, a man had moved between Martina's legs, lifted her by the waist and started to fuck her.The woman Don was fucking seemed to stop sucking the guy in front of her, but then Don worked out that the guy was coming. The woman leaned back, and Don sat back on his haunches to let her, so the guy she'd been sucking could scoot out of the way. Don slipped his hands around to the woman's front, where he cupped her nice medium-sized tits. She leaned back against him, turned to look at him over her shoulder, and said, “Um, thanks for the fuck. I'm Amy, by the way.”“It's my pleasure, and I'm Don,” He noticed that her face was also covered in green and yellow paint, as well as quite a spattering of cum. Don thought this was incredibly hot, and he moved his right hand down her taut belly to run his fingertips over her clit.Amy bit her lower lip and moved up and down on his cock. She said, “Keep doing that.”A man in purple and yellow paint stepped up in front of Amy with his cock in hand.“Do you mind?” Amy asked Don.“No; by all means!”Amy reached out and pulled the man's cock to her mouth and began to suck it enthusiastically. Don watched intently, while continuing to stroke her clit from behind. While she was sucking she held still on Don's cock.Glancing over to his left, Don saw the man fucking Martina pull out and shoot a long jet of cum over her lanky body. The woman riding her face leaned forward over her and sucked on the man's cock, getting her tits in the cum on Martina's belly in the process.When the guy in Amy's mouth got ready to come, she took his cock out and stroked it until it sprayed all over her face and tits. She stroked it a couple more times, and sucked on the head, finally kissing it goodbye. The guy moved off in search of other game, and Amy turned back to Don and said, “Do you like that?”“Hell yes!” he said.“I love it when a guy comes on me. Want me to do another one?”“Sure!”Amy flagged down another guy, who was more than happy to let her suck on him.Don took a moment to look over to see what Shelonda was up to, and saw her with her legs scissored with those of a cute little woman with large tits, in bright pink paint. The two women were grinding against each other intently.Don turned his attention back to Amy who was now jerking the guy's cock. He came in a thick gout that splattered on her chin and landed heavily on her left tit. Don moved his hand a little to smear the thick dollop over Amy's nipple.“Oh, nice!” she said, and began to ride up and down on him again. Another guy now stepped up in front of her of his own initiative, and she started to suck him without asking Don. She kept sliding up and down on his cock this time, though, and he started stroking her clit a bit more intently, pinching and pulling on it. The guy must have been watching Amy, because when he was ready, he pulled his cock out and stroked it for her, which enabled her to relax and enjoy the sensations in her cunt and clit. As his cum shot out and splattered all over her face, and then her tits, Amy came on Don's cock. As she shook, her hands moved over her tits and face, smearing the cum all over her. Don took his hand from her crotch and did the same, while also kissing her shoulder and neck through her hair.“I like having you watch me,” she said. “Can I keep you?”“Do you know how to get to the garden?”“No, why?”“It's not important right now,” Don laughed.“Well, what is important that you shoot your cum on my face,” Amy said with a smile.“I think that can be arranged,” Don smiled.Amy fell forward to her hands and knees, pulling off Don's cock in the process. She grabbed a couple of pillows and then lay down on her back with her head propped up, and then said, “Now bring that bad boy up here.”Don quickly complied, straddling the top of her chest. She pulled his cock down toward her mouth and said, “Just fuck my mouth until you're about to come.”Don obliged, pushing forward as soon as she had her mouth on him. He watched her, loving the look of her pretty yellow and green face as she sucked on his thick cock.Glancing to the left, he saw Shelonda crawling over to watch him and Amy. When she got there, she ran her hands over both Amy's and Don's body. This helped push Don toward his orgasm, which he had been holding off since Toshia's little gangbang in the corridor. The thought of that gangbang, and then seeing Toshia getting fucked in the pit did the trick,  He pulled back out of Amy's mouth and promptly spewed a veritable deluge of cum all over her face.Amy laughed and smiled up at him, “Thank you!”“My pleasure!” he laughed in return.Shelonda leaned down to suck on Don's cock a little and then to kiss Amy's sticky mouth.When Shelonda looked up at Don, he said, “Should we go and see what Toshia's up to?”“That should be good!” Shelonda grinned.“Who's Toshia ?” Amy wanted to know.“My friend,” Don said. “She was going a bit fuck crazy in the pit earlier.”“Ooh, my kind of gal!” Amy said. “Can I come too?”“Of course,” Don said.After they wiped the fluorescent paint off each other; Amy's taking quite a bit of time; they headed down into the main area of the disco. They cruised the long platform around the pit and worked their way through the smoke, which was now less densely populated, but saw no sign of her. They finally found her in the bubble bath room.She was about half way around the big tub. At first all Don saw was a muscular back flexing in the bubbles, and a woman's hands on the man's shoulders. A guy stood on either side of the guy with the back, and each of them were reaching in front of the main guy, and now and then leaning in front of him. As he moved around the tub a bit, though, Don saw that it was Toshia in front of the man, with her legs crooked over his forearms. The men on either side were teasing her tits and occasionally kissing her.There were other people playing in the bubbles, so Don didn't notice at first that the buxom blonde from the pit was also there. She was facing the side of the tub, bent over getting drilled from behind, while reaching over to play with the cock of the guy to Toshia's right.“Wow,” Shelonda said.“Yeah,” Don agreed. He gestured with his head toward Toshia for Amy's benefit and said, “That's Toshia .”“Sweet. You're not going to interrupt her are you?”“Hell no,” Don said, “I'm going to sit here and watch.” And he promptly sat down on the edge of the tub to do just that. Shelonda and Amy sat down on either side of him. The strobe lights made the whole show a bit bizarre, but they watched as the guy with the back apparently finished and lowered Toshia's legs. The guy on Toshia's right then stepped up in front of her, and the guy on the left moved around to the right, where buxom blonde girl reached out to stroke him. The man in front of  Toshia moved in close, and she wrapped her arms around him, and presumably, under the bubbles, her legs.Shelonda's hand stole into Don's lap and began to stroke his already very hard cock. An anonymous guy came and sat down on the opposite side of Amy. Soon she leaned over to suck on this new cock, and before long, she slipped into the bubbles to face the man and suck him from there. Don noted that this side of the tub must be shallower than Toshia's.The guy fucking Toshia finished, and as the next guy moved in front of her, she turned around to put her hands on the side of the tub. The guy now behind her began to screw her. The guy fucking Toshia's new girlfriend apparently finished and moved away, so the blonde ducked under Toshia's arm to come up in front of her and proceeded to make out with her while Toshia got fucked.Don looked down just in time to catch Amy; who was even prettier without the paint; getting rained on by a stream of cum. He smiled at her, leaned down and said, “Don't go anywhere.”Amy grinned and nodded.Then Don said to Shelonda, “I'll be right back.”Don dropped into the tub, and made his way across to just behind the guy screwing Toshia , and waited patiently. It didn't take long; the man finished and moved off to the right. Toshia continued to make out with her friend, not immediately changing her stance. Don stepped up and ran his hands over Toshia's ass. He shook his head and smiled when she merely wiggled her ass invitingly. He took his hard cock and pushed it into her very wet cunt in one smooth motion. He felt cum and Toshia's juices squishing out around his thick shaft.Toshia pushed back at him, and he began to fuck himself in and out of her. Only when he had a good rhythm going did he lean forward over her arched back and ask, “So how many cocks have you fucked here?”“Including yours?” she asked, looking over her shoulder at him.“Well, I'm not done yet.”“And just in here or since coming into the disco?”“All together.”“Eighteen.”“Eighteen?” Don said, almost stopping his fucking.“It wasn't easy keeping count, believe me,” Toshia said.“Damn,” he said, “I can only account for six, and that's impressive anyway.”Toshia kept pushing back at him, though a bit more forcefully now that she knew it was Don. “There was the guy you saw me with first,” she said. “I was just dancing, and he started grinding behind me and running his hands all over me, and then he was fucking me and I loved it. I loved getting fucked in the middle of everyone. Then, you saw the next guy; that was intense. Then I started dancing with Jamie here, and two guys came up behind us and we just kind of bent over a little and let them fuck us. They didn't come until they switched places. God, that was hot.”“I can imagine,” Don said, reaching around to squeeze Toshia's tits. He felt Jamie's fingers down below touching the base of his cock as she played with Toshia's clit.“It gets  better,” Toshia said. “After those two, we drew some attention on the dance floor, and guys swarmed all around us. There were cocks all over the place, I had two in my hands all the time, and guys were shoving their cocks between my legs, but not getting anywhere. I was getting all hot and bothered, but we eventually wound up on the steps there, and we both just got on our hands and knees on the second step. Five guys fucked me there, just one after the other, every one coming inside me. There was cum running down the insides of my legs. I must have come myself about eight times.”Don felt between Toshia's ass cheeks and noticed they were quite slick with assorted juices. As he pressed his thumb against her tight little asshole, he said, “Go on.”“Oh! Nobody did that,” she said. He felt her make an effort to relax and his thumb slipped into her. “Umm, I like that! Where was I? Oh yeah, on the steps. At one point this guy sat on the step in front of me and I was sucking on his cock while two different guys screwed me. Then I just moved up and sat on the cock in front of me. That was number, ”“Ten,” Don said. He was working both his thumb and cock in and out of her.“Yeah,  fuck! You two are going to make me come like this.”“Go on,” Don said firmly.“Um, Okay. Well, I thought we could use a break so we came up here; looking for you, by the way; and well, this wasn't much better, except that the bubbles feel nice and slippery. I had Jamie get up on the edge and was licking all the sweet cum from her cunt, when I felt someone playing with my cunt from behind. I looked back and saw a nice fellow standing there, and I just said, ‘Go ahead,' and he did. After he came, two more guys took a turn. And I loved it!”Then  Toshia was shaking with an intense orgasm, and gasping. Jaime finally stopped stroking her clit and took her mouth off Toshia's right nipple.“Hi Don,” Jamie finally said, with a big white smile.“Hi Jamie,” Don grinned back. He also saw Shelonda come and sit down over them. Don shoved into Toshia a bit harder and said, “That's only 13.”“Oh, well, I got up on the side to have Jamie go down on me, and while she was doing it, a couple of guys came by and said they'd been admiring us all evening. So, I said, ‘Well are you just going to admire us?' The one guy laughed and said, 'I want this one first,' and started rubbing his cock all over my mouth, so I started giving him a blowjob. His buddy got down and started fucking Jamie while she licked me. That was hot too! Anyway, I came ,  Fuck, Don!”Shelonda dropped down into the tub and knelt down under the bubbles. Soon, Don felt her tongue as Shelonda started licking at Toshia's clit.“Oh,” Toshia trembled.“What happened then?” Don insisted.“Well, um, I came, and then I asked the guy who I was sucking if he wanted my cunt. As it turns out he did, so I got on my back and he fucked me. His buddy climbed out of the tub and did the same after he came. God, I'm such a slut! Damn; where was I?”“Just before the last three, I think,” Don said, now intently fucking in and out of her.“Oh ,  yeah ,  uh ,  Jamie and I got back in the bubbles and were dancing and messing around when this big strong guy and his three buddies came and were dancing with us. Um ,  well ,  we wound up at this end of the tub ,  and then the big guy lifted me up and fucked me with ,  his ,  big ,  cock. And then two of his buddies,  oh god ,  they fucked me too , ! God, Don! Now you're fucking me,  let me turn around.”He pulled out of her as she pushed Shelonda away.  Toshia turned around and grabbed Don by the back of the neck and pulled him to her for a wildly passionate kiss. She got up on her tip toes, and reached down to grab his cock. Don took her ass in his hands and lifted her up, bracing her back against the wall of the tub. Then he lowered her down on his cock, and she was rocking her hips against him, while he fucked in and out of her.“Don, fuck me,” she moaned. “Come inside me!”Then she was coming again and he was coming too. He pumped hot cum up into her, while her body clenched at his with intense need. They kept fucking while they came, only slowly coming to a halt. She leaned down a bit and, holding his head in her hands, kissed him again, long and passionately.Big BedroomWhen the four of them; Toshia, Don, Shelonda and Jamie; finally climbed out of the huge tub of bubbles, they were joined by a beautiful young woman with a very nice curvy, yet trim and compact body, brown hair with blonde and auburn highlights, and a saucy, playful face. She clearly had cum on her face, throat and tits. Don said, “Toshia and Jamie, this is Amy.”Feeling extremely relaxed after the activities of the day and evening, Toshia leaned over and started to lick the delicious cum off Amy's tits. Amy responded by running her hands over Toshia's body. After several moments of this, Toshia looked up at Amy and said, “Pleased to meet you.”“Likewise,” Amy smiled.“Okay, Don,” Toshia said, turning back to him, “why don't we take a break and you tell me what you've been up to?”They sat on the edge of the tub, watching the people playing in the bubbles, while Don told Toshia about his relatively minor exploits in the pit; first fucking Shana and then Shelonda.“You fucked her in the ass, eh?” Toshia said, smiling acros

Both Peter and Jude share in warning the church about false teachers and encouragement to stay strong and stand firm in the faith. Connect and Follow Dr. Melody on IG: @dr.melody_fitplusfaith and join our Healthy Christian Women FB group.

“I’ve got to declare an emergency. My pilot’s deceased.” Doug White nervously uttered those words to the control tower monitoring his flight. Minutes after takeoff, the pilot of the private plane Doug’s family had chartered suddenly passed away. Doug stepped into the cockpit with just three-month’s training in flying less sophisticated aircraft. He then carefully listened to controllers at a local airport who talked him through landing the plane. Later, Doug said, “[They] saved my family from an almost certain fiery death.” We have one who alone can help us navigate the challenges in life. Moses, speaking to the Israelites, said, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you . . . . You must listen to him” (Deuteronomy 18:15). This promise pointed to a succession of prophets God provided for His people, but it also spoke of the Messiah. Both Peter and Stephen would later state that this ultimate prophet was Jesus (Acts 3:22; 7:37). He alone came to tell us the loving and wise instructions of God (Deuteronomy 18:18). During Christ’s life, God the Father said, “This is my Son . . . . Listen to him!” (Mark 9:7). To live wisely and avoid crashing and burning in this life, let’s listen to Jesus as He speaks through the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit. Listening to Him makes all the difference.

This teaching is taken from the Acts 10, the story of Peter and Cornelius the Centurion. Both Peter and Cornelius experienced divine encounters through visions. Cornelius sees an angel with a message, Cornelius obeys and has Peter brought to his home. Peter receives a vision in which God gives Peter eyes to see beyond his cultural rules of clean and unclean. Peter was a prisoner of his culture until God gave him a vision of truth and that breakthrough brings Peter to a Gentile's home, Cornelius' home, and Peter, going against the culture, obeys God and enters the house of a Gentile. Barriers were broken as Peter allowed God to broke into his heart. Peter understood that God wants ALL people to know and believe in Him. Peter shares the gospel story with Cornelius and the people gathered to listen. Before Peter was even finished sharing, the Holy Spirit descended onto the group, just like what had happened to the disciples on Pentecost. The ministry to the non-Jewish world takes off because God has intervened and God has directed it! God uses Peter (the apostle to the Jewish people) to bring the Gospel message to Cornelius and opens up the message of Jesus the Messiah to the Gentile world! This story still speaks to us today: 1. Culture or Scripture - am I following my culture or am I following the Scripture? 2. Self or Spirit - will we go with our own plans or will we heed the Spirit of God? 3. Home or World - am I concerned about my own little group, the people I'm comfortable with or will I let God use me to reach all? 4. Works or Gospel - It's not about how good I am, it's about how good God is! Remember: It's about CHRIST ALONE! It's easy to mirror your culture, rather than reflect the teaching of the Living God. God calls us to be faithful and obedient, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and thus reflecting the very teachings of Christ. Scripture Romans 12:2; Acts 10 awakeusnow.com

After 4 years behind the microphone, I have made the decision to cease Podcasting, “Medical Musings With Sam” There are a number of reasons: The easy to use software I was using for recording through my Podcast host is no longer available and the alternatives are cumbersome requiring major editing, which is not something I can deal with with life's ongoing challenges. Both Peter's health, with his recent Alzheimers diagnosis, and my bone disease , are progressing for the worse and I am absolutely exhausted. Something has to give As I reviewed all the activities under the “My Medical Musings” portfolio, the Podcast, while doing well, has the least interaction. The good news is the Podcast will still be available to listen to permanently and there are 84 episodes available…..here's the Podcast link: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YqbguCqSJtAjbiruJbMqO

You Can Still Push Play But For Now It's Time For Me To Permanently Press Pause On My Podcast. Thank you to those of you who have supported my Podcast and your encouraging feedback over the past 4 years. I am so sorry to disappoint you. After 4 years behind the microphone, I have made the decision to cease Podcasting, “Medical Musings With Sam” There are a number of reasons: • Both Peter's health, with his recent Alzheimers diagnosis, and my bone disease , are progressing for the worse and I am absolutely exhausted. Something has to give • As I reviewed all the activities under the “My Medical Musings” portfolio, the Podcast, while doing well, has the least interaction. • The good news is the Podcast will still be available to listen to permanently and there are 84 episodes available…..here's the Podcast link: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YqbguCqSJtAjbiruJbMqO

Peter Gower is the Nature Conservancy's Climate and Renewable Energy Program Director for the Western United States and Canada Divisions, and Chris Menges is the Director of Climate Action for the Colorado Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. Both Peter and Chris are on the front lines of North America's transition from fossil fuels to renewables, working to find solutions that protect and benefit working lands, natural landscapes, wildlife, and communities. - As you'll hear in this episode, the transition from fossil fuels to renewables is an incredibly complex process, and Peter and Chris are highly skilled at breaking down the issues and explaining them in a substantive yet easy-to-understand manner. While the details of their work may be complicated, everything Peter and Chris do is built on the very simple foundation of strong relationships, partnerships, and trust, which has been the common theme of all of these TNC-focused episodes. - We connected virtually and had a great conversation about The Nature Conservancy's work in the renewables space, exploring everything from TNC's big-picture strategies in the American West, down to a few on-the-ground examples of successful initiatives and projects. We discussed how TNC is working with Western states to help them achieve their energy goals and some of the specific renewable work being done here in Colorado. - We also talked about the challenges of finding sites for renewable energy projects, how market incentives can be used to ensure siting that benefits both people and nature, and recently passed legislation in Colorado that addresses these issues. We chatted about TNC's extensive research in the renewables space, including its Power of Place studies. As usual, we discuss their favorite books and some resources to learn more about the issues surrounding renewable energy. - Renewable energy has long been one of those topics that I have never been able to fully wrap my head around, but after this conversation, I felt that I had a solid foundation of knowledge– as well as the curiosity and desire to go out and learn more. - A huge thanks to Peter and Chris for devoting the time to have this extremely educational conversation, and thank you for listening. --- Peter Gower Chris Menges TNC's energy work Power of Place West Report --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. On the last Tuesday of every month throughout 2024, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:20 - The state of renewables in the West (Peter) 8:05 - Chris's renewable work on the ground in CO with TNC (Chris) 12:35- Challenges and opportunities associated with finding physical sites for renewable projects (Chris) 15:50 - Examples of market incentives that Chris thinks would help develop renewable sites to the benefit of as many interests as possible (Chris and Peter)  22:20 - Discussing the Power of Place studies (Peter) 26:35 - Other major challenges to implementing more renewable energy solutions (Peter) 33:05 - Discussing the Connected West study, to be released soon (Peter) 36:20 - Building relationships with businesses and large entities (Peter) 39:05 - Discussing Colorado SB24-212 (Chris) 47:35 - Developing renewable energy sites on “brownfields” (Peter) 51:05 - Where to learn more about renewable energy (Peter and Chris) --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Talking points: trauma This was an honor. The word trauma gets thrown around a lot these days, so it's important to get back to basics and really sink into what's going on and why. After all, this is humanity we're talking about, and we're nothing if not complex. Peter is a legend in therapy circles for his groundbreaking work in somatic education and trauma work, so we dug into many of the different (and unusual) things something like trauma brings to the table. Both Peter and I encourage you to listen WITH someone! (00:00:00) - Peter's definition of trauma and how it affects the body (00:07:27) - Peter demonstrates a somatic exercise to help release trauma (00:13:14) - Do men and women experience and handle trauma differently? (00:21:40) - On how trauma needs witnessing to heal, and Peter's experience with active imagination  (00:34:14) - Navigating the almost mystical side of healing (00:39:45) - Why the tiger? (00:43:27) - How can men work in a healthy way with anger, and how betrayal can impact how someone expresses themselves (00:49:08) - The main tool to help process trauma Peter A Levine, Ph.D., is the developer of Somatic Experiencing®, a naturalistic and neurobiological approach to healing trauma, which he has developed over the past 50 years. He holds a doctorate in Biophysics from UC Berkeley and a doctorate in Psychology from International University. He is the Founder and President of the Ergos Institute for Somatic Education, dedicated to Community Outreach and Post-Advanced Somatic Experiencing® Training, and the Founder and Advisor for Somatic Experiencing International. He has taught at the University of California, Berkeley; Mills College; Antioch University; the California Institute of Integral Studies; and the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute. His work has been taught to over 30,000 therapists in over 42 countries. Dr. Levine is the author of several best-selling books on trauma, including Waking the Tiger, Healing Trauma (published in over 29 languages); In an Unspoken Voice, How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness; and Trauma and Memory, Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past. Connect with Peter -Website: https://www.somaticexperiencing.com/ -New book: An Autobiography of Trauma: https://books.innertraditions.com/autobiography-of-trauma/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpeteralevine/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peteralevinephd/ *** This episode is brought to you by Henson Shaving. Genuinely love these guys and their product because they've made my shaving experience actually enjoyable! Go to https://hensonshaving.com/mantalks to get two years worth of free blades with your new razor. Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/ Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance.  Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they're looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify For more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part 12 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Acts is an action-packed book full of excitement and wonder. We learn about the early expansion of the Church from a small group of ragged Christ-followers to dozens of house churches throughout major cities in the Mediterranean world. How did Christianity "go public"? The book of Acts tells that story. In this episode you'll learn four major emphases in Acts as well as how to think through application for us today. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TIzpc3mfOg&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2TrdUEDtAipF3jy4qYspM_&index=12&pp=iAQB —— Links —— For more about Family Camp visit LHIM Check out the UCA conferences for USA, UK, and NZ here See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Luke wrote Acts. Acts 1:1-2 Acts is the second volume. Luke is about the life of Christ. Acts is about the early expansion of the church. Major events of Acts 1:1-11  Jesus commissions and ascends. 1:12-27 Peter initiates replacing Judas. 2:1-47 Spirit is poured out, and Peter preaches. 3:1-26 Peter heals lame man and preaches. 4:1-6:7  Communal living in Jerusalem 6:8-7:60  Stephen's martyrdom 8:1-40  Philip's expansion to Samaria, Ethiopia 9:1-31  Paul's conversion, expansion to Damascus 9:32-9:43  Peter's mission to Lydda and Joppa 10:1-11:18 Peter converts Cornelius in Caesarea. 11:19-30 Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch. 12:1-24 Peter's arrest and miraculous escape 12:25-16:5 Paul's 1st missionary journey 16:6-19:20 Paul's 2nd missionary journey 19:21-21:17 Paul's 3rd missionary journey 21:18-28:31 Paul's arrest and trip to Rome Organization of the book The first half is about Peter (1-12). The second half is about Paul (13-28). Acts 1:8 outlines the book: they expanded from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth. Leading and experience of God's spirit Baptized with the spirit, filled with the spirit, pour out the spirit, receive the spirit, spirit fell upon: 1:5, 8; 2:4, 17; 4:31; 8:17; 9:17; 10:44-45; 11:15-16; 13:52 Speaking in tongues; prophecy: 2:4, 17-18; 10:46; 11:28; 19:6; 20:22-23; 27:21-22 Exorcisms: 5:16; 8:7; 16:18; 19:12-16 Healing and miracles: 3:6-7; 5:12, 15-16; 8:39; 9:17-18, 34-35; 12:7-10; 13:11; 14:10; 19:11; 20:9-10; 28:3-6, 8-9 Supernatural direction: 1:16, 26; 8:26, 29; 9:10-16; 13:2; 15:28; 16:7; 18:9-10; 20:28; 21:11; 23:11; 27:23-24 Rapid expansion through conversion Convert 3,000 on day of Pentecost (2:41) 5,000 after healing lame man at the temple (4:4) Conversions of whole towns: Samaria (8), Lydda, and Joppa (9) Conversions of key people: Ethiopian treasurer (8); Paul of Tarsus (9); Cornelius the centurion (10); Sergius Paulus, proconsul of Cyprus, (13); Lydia, a wealthy Philippian merchant, (16); Crispus, a synagogue leader in Corinth, (18); Publius of Malta (28) Perseverance through persecution Sadducees arrest Peter and John (4). Sadducees arrest apostles (5). A mob stones Stephen (7). Paul leads persecution in Jerusalem (8). King Herod executes James (12). King Herod imprisons Peter (12). Jewish leaders expel Paul and Barnabas from Pisidian Antioch (13). Jewish leaders stone Paul at Lystra (14). City magistrates arrest Paul and Silas at Philippi (16). Jewish mob attacks Jason at Thessalonica (17). Jewish leaders accuse Paul before Proconsul Gallio at Corinth (18). Demetrius instigates riot against Paul at Ephesus (19). Jewish mob attacks Paul at Jerusalem (21). Plot of Jewish leaders to murder Paul (23) Paul's trial before Felix (24) Paul's trial before Festus (25) Paul's defense before King Agrippa (26) Paul's shipwreck (27) Paul's house arrest at Rome (28) Respectful of Roman authorities Paul is respectful to his arresting officer, Claudius, (21:33, 37-40). He asserts his Roman citizenship (22:24-29). He cordially converses with Felix, Roman governor of Judea, (24). Paul appeals to have a trial before Caesar in Rome b/c he's afraid he won't get a fair hearing in Judea. Paul interacts respectfully with Festus and King Agrippa. King Agrippa says Paul should've been set free (26:31-32). Paul complies on the whole journey while under arrest. Including the Gentiles Originally, Christianity was 100% Jewish. Gentiles (non-Jews) began believing in Jesus, and God demonstrated his acceptance through his spirit (see Acts 10:44-45). Both Peter and Paul preached to Gentiles and accepted them as part of God's family. After a disagreement broke out over the Gentiles (Acts 15:1-2), the disciples decided Gentiles could be part of the church without keeping the law. Acts is the historical spine of the NT Acts tells you about how Christianity came to many places mentioned in other parts of the NT. On Paul's second missionary journey, he visited Galatia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus. These are all places to which he wrote Epistles. Prescriptive vs. descriptive Does Acts prescribe how we should live or describe what they did? Acts 2:44-46 talks about sharing all our possessions. Is this normative for all Christians for all time? Fee & Stuart: “Unless Scripture explicitly tells us we must do something, what is only narrated or described does not function in a normative (i.e. obligatory) way—unless it can be demonstrated on other grounds that the author intended it to function in this way.”[1] Review Acts is a history of the church that Luke wrote to follow his biography of Christ. Acts describes the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth (i.e. the Mediterranean world). In Acts, Luke is interested in the activity of God's spirit, missionary activity resulting in conversions, and how Christians are respectful to Roman authorities. The inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian movement caused a significant controversy, resulting in the decision that they did not need to keep the law. Acts provides the historical backbone into which fit many of the Epistles of the NT. Luke tells of Paul's three missionary journeys, as well as his final treacherous journey to Rome under arrest. Although Acts shows us what is possible as we walk with God, it does not prescribe that Christians today must do everything the way they did it (descriptive not prescriptive). [1] Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 124.

12 How to Read Acts Download Luke wrote Acts. Acts 1:1-2 Acts is the second volume. Luke is about the life of Christ. Acts is about the early expansion of the church. Major events of Acts 1:1-11  Jesus commissions and ascends. 1:12-27 Peter initiates replacing Judas. 2:1-47 Spirit is poured out, and Peter preaches. 3:1-26 Peter heals lame man and preaches. 4:1-6:7  Communal living in Jerusalem 6:8-7:60  Stephen's martyrdom 8:1-40  Philip's expansion to Samaria, Ethiopia 9:1-31  Paul's conversion, expansion to Damascus 9:32-9:43  Peter's mission to Lydda and Joppa 10:1-11:18 Peter converts Cornelius in Caesarea. 11:19-30 Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch. 12:1-24 Peter's arrest and miraculous escape 12:25-16:5 Paul's 1st missionary journey 16:6-19:20 Paul's 2nd missionary journey 19:21-21:17 Paul's 3rd missionary journey 21:18-28:31 Paul's arrest and trip to Rome Organization of the book The first half is about Peter (1-12). The second half is about Paul (13-28). Acts 1:8 outlines the book: they expanded from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth. Leading and experience of God's spirit Baptized with the spirit, filled with the spirit, pour out the spirit, receive the spirit, spirit fell upon: 1:5, 8; 2:4, 17; 4:31; 8:17; 9:17; 10:44-45; 11:15-16; 13:52 Speaking in tongues; prophecy: 2:4, 17-18; 10:46; 11:28; 19:6; 20:22-23; 27:21-22 Exorcisms: 5:16; 8:7; 16:18; 19:12-16 Healing and miracles: 3:6-7; 5:12, 15-16; 8:39; 9:17-18, 34-35; 12:7-10; 13:11; 14:10; 19:11; 20:9-10; 28:3-6, 8-9 Supernatural direction: 1:16, 26; 8:26, 29; 9:10-16; 13:2; 15:28; 16:7; 18:9-10; 20:28; 21:11; 23:11; 27:23-24 Rapid expansion through conversion Convert 3,000 on day of Pentecost (2:41) 5,000 after healing lame man at the temple (4:4) Conversions of whole towns: Samaria (8), Lydda, and Joppa (9) Conversions of key people: Ethiopian treasurer (8); Paul of Tarsus (9); Cornelius the centurion (10); Sergius Paulus, proconsul of Cyprus, (13); Lydia, a wealthy Philippian merchant, (16); Crispus, a synagogue leader in Corinth, (18); Publius of Malta (28) Perseverance through persecution Sadducees arrest Peter and John (4). Sadducees arrest apostles (5). A mob stones Stephen (7). Paul leads persecution in Jerusalem (8). King Herod executes James (12). King Herod imprisons Peter (12). Jewish leaders expel Paul and Barnabas from Pisidian Antioch (13). Jewish leaders stone Paul at Lystra (14). City magistrates arrest Paul and Silas at Philippi (16). Jewish mob attacks Jason at Thessalonica (17). Jewish leaders accuse Paul before Proconsul Gallio at Corinth (18). Demetrius instigates riot against Paul at Ephesus (19). Jewish mob attacks Paul at Jerusalem (21). Plot of Jewish leaders to murder Paul (23) Paul's trial before Felix (24) Paul's trial before Festus (25) Paul's defense before King Agrippa (26) Paul's shipwreck (27) Paul's house arrest at Rome (28) Respectful of Roman authorities Paul is respectful to his arresting officer, Claudius, (21:33, 37-40). He asserts his Roman citizenship (22:24-29). He cordially converses with Felix, Roman governor of Judea, (24). Paul appeals to have a trial before Caesar in Rome b/c he's afraid he won't get a fair hearing in Judea. Paul interacts respectfully with Festus and King Agrippa. King Agrippa says Paul should've been set free (26:31-32). Paul complies on the whole journey while under arrest. Including the Gentiles Originally, Christianity was 100% Jewish. Gentiles (non-Jews) began believing in Jesus, and God demonstrated his acceptance through his spirit (see Acts 10:44-45). Both Peter and Paul preached to Gentiles and accepted them as part of God's family. After a disagreement broke out over the Gentiles (Acts 15:1-2), the disciples decided Gentiles could be part of the church without keeping the law. Acts is the historical spine of the NT Acts tells you about how Christianity came to many places mentioned in other parts of the NT. On Paul's second missionary journey, he visited Galatia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus. These are all places to which he wrote Epistles. Prescriptive vs. descriptive Does Acts prescribe how we should live or describe what they did? Acts 2:44-46 talks about sharing all our possessions. Is this normative for all Christians for all time? Fee & Stuart: “Unless Scripture explicitly tells us we must do something, what is only narrated or described does not function in a normative (i.e. obligatory) way—unless it can be demonstrated on other grounds that the author intended it to function in this way.”[[Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 124.]] Review Acts is a history of the church that Luke wrote to follow his biography of Christ. Acts describes the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth (i.e. the Mediterranean world). In Acts, Luke is interested in the activity of God’s spirit, missionary activity resulting in conversions, and how Christians are respectful to Roman authorities. The inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian movement caused a significant controversy, resulting in the decision that they did not need to keep the law. Acts provides the historical backbone into which fit many of the Epistles of the NT. Luke tells of Paul’s three missionary journeys, as well as his final treacherous journey to Rome under arrest. Although Acts shows us what is possible as we walk with God, it does not prescribe that Christians today must do everything the way they did it (descriptive not prescriptive). The post 12: How to Read Acts first appeared on Living Hope.

12 How to Read Acts Download Luke wrote Acts. Acts 1:1-2 Acts is the second volume. Luke is about the life of Christ. Acts is about the early expansion of the church. Major events of Acts 1:1-11  Jesus commissions and ascends. 1:12-27 Peter initiates replacing Judas. 2:1-47 Spirit is poured out, and Peter preaches. 3:1-26 Peter heals lame man and preaches. 4:1-6:7  Communal living in Jerusalem 6:8-7:60  Stephen's martyrdom 8:1-40  Philip's expansion to Samaria, Ethiopia 9:1-31  Paul's conversion, expansion to Damascus 9:32-9:43  Peter's mission to Lydda and Joppa 10:1-11:18 Peter converts Cornelius in Caesarea. 11:19-30 Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch. 12:1-24 Peter's arrest and miraculous escape 12:25-16:5 Paul's 1st missionary journey 16:6-19:20 Paul's 2nd missionary journey 19:21-21:17 Paul's 3rd missionary journey 21:18-28:31 Paul's arrest and trip to Rome Organization of the book The first half is about Peter (1-12). The second half is about Paul (13-28). Acts 1:8 outlines the book: they expanded from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth. Leading and experience of God's spirit Baptized with the spirit, filled with the spirit, pour out the spirit, receive the spirit, spirit fell upon: 1:5, 8; 2:4, 17; 4:31; 8:17; 9:17; 10:44-45; 11:15-16; 13:52 Speaking in tongues; prophecy: 2:4, 17-18; 10:46; 11:28; 19:6; 20:22-23; 27:21-22 Exorcisms: 5:16; 8:7; 16:18; 19:12-16 Healing and miracles: 3:6-7; 5:12, 15-16; 8:39; 9:17-18, 34-35; 12:7-10; 13:11; 14:10; 19:11; 20:9-10; 28:3-6, 8-9 Supernatural direction: 1:16, 26; 8:26, 29; 9:10-16; 13:2; 15:28; 16:7; 18:9-10; 20:28; 21:11; 23:11; 27:23-24 Rapid expansion through conversion Convert 3,000 on day of Pentecost (2:41) 5,000 after healing lame man at the temple (4:4) Conversions of whole towns: Samaria (8), Lydda, and Joppa (9) Conversions of key people: Ethiopian treasurer (8); Paul of Tarsus (9); Cornelius the centurion (10); Sergius Paulus, proconsul of Cyprus, (13); Lydia, a wealthy Philippian merchant, (16); Crispus, a synagogue leader in Corinth, (18); Publius of Malta (28) Perseverance through persecution Sadducees arrest Peter and John (4). Sadducees arrest apostles (5). A mob stones Stephen (7). Paul leads persecution in Jerusalem (8). King Herod executes James (12). King Herod imprisons Peter (12). Jewish leaders expel Paul and Barnabas from Pisidian Antioch (13). Jewish leaders stone Paul at Lystra (14). City magistrates arrest Paul and Silas at Philippi (16). Jewish mob attacks Jason at Thessalonica (17). Jewish leaders accuse Paul before Proconsul Gallio at Corinth (18). Demetrius instigates riot against Paul at Ephesus (19). Jewish mob attacks Paul at Jerusalem (21). Plot of Jewish leaders to murder Paul (23) Paul's trial before Felix (24) Paul's trial before Festus (25) Paul's defense before King Agrippa (26) Paul's shipwreck (27) Paul's house arrest at Rome (28) Respectful of Roman authorities Paul is respectful to his arresting officer, Claudius, (21:33, 37-40). He asserts his Roman citizenship (22:24-29). He cordially converses with Felix, Roman governor of Judea, (24). Paul appeals to have a trial before Caesar in Rome b/c he's afraid he won't get a fair hearing in Judea. Paul interacts respectfully with Festus and King Agrippa. King Agrippa says Paul should've been set free (26:31-32). Paul complies on the whole journey while under arrest. Including the Gentiles Originally, Christianity was 100% Jewish. Gentiles (non-Jews) began believing in Jesus, and God demonstrated his acceptance through his spirit (see Acts 10:44-45). Both Peter and Paul preached to Gentiles and accepted them as part of God's family. After a disagreement broke out over the Gentiles (Acts 15:1-2), the disciples decided Gentiles could be part of the church without keeping the law. Acts is the historical spine of the NT Acts tells you about how Christianity came to many places mentioned in other parts of the NT. On Paul's second missionary journey, he visited Galatia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus. These are all places to which he wrote Epistles. Prescriptive vs. descriptive Does Acts prescribe how we should live or describe what they did? Acts 2:44-46 talks about sharing all our possessions. Is this normative for all Christians for all time? Fee & Stuart: “Unless Scripture explicitly tells us we must do something, what is only narrated or described does not function in a normative (i.e. obligatory) way—unless it can be demonstrated on other grounds that the author intended it to function in this way.”1 Review Acts is a history of the church that Luke wrote to follow his biography of Christ. Acts describes the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth (i.e. the Mediterranean world). In Acts, Luke is interested in the activity of God’s spirit, missionary activity resulting in conversions, and how Christians are respectful to Roman authorities. The inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian movement caused a significant controversy, resulting in the decision that they did not need to keep the law. Acts provides the historical backbone into which fit many of the Epistles of the NT. Luke tells of Paul’s three missionary journeys, as well as his final treacherous journey to Rome under arrest. Although Acts shows us what is possible as we walk with God, it does not prescribe that Christians today must do everything the way they did it (descriptive not prescriptive). Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 124.The post 12: How to Read Acts first appeared on Living Hope.

They find the Player & another game. Lost In Eros – book 1, Part 14 of 20, By BradentonLarry.  Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. When the four of them; Tascha, Don, Shelonda and Jamie; finally climbed out of the huge tub of bubbles, they were joined by a beautiful young woman with a very nice curvy, yet trim and compact body, brown hair with blonde and auburn highlights, and a saucy, playful face. She clearly had cum on her face, throat and tits. Don said, “Tascha and Jamie, this is Amy.” [[MORE]] Feeling extremely relaxed after the activities of the day and evening, Tascha leaned over and started to lick the delicious cum off Amy's tits. Amy responded by running her hands over Tascha's body. After several moments of this, Tascha looked up at Amy and said, “Pleased to meet you.” “Likewise,” Amy smiled. “OK, Don,” Tascha said, turning back to him, “why don't we take a break and you tell me what you've been up to?” They sat on the edge of the tub, watching the people playing in the bubbles, while Don told Tascha about his relatively minor exploits in the pit; first fucking Shana and then Shelonda. “You fucked her in the ass, eh?” Tascha said, smiling across Don at Shelonda. “I'm starting to think I'd like that. Later, though. Do go on.” Don recounted the story of the black light room, including the painting, the dancing, Martina, and his meeting and subsequent play with Amy. Shelonda filled in her side of the story too. Then, Don explained how they finally managed to find her and how he had watched her with her last three men, excepting himself. “I'm tempted to go back to that black light room with you,” Tascha said. “It sounds like a fun place.” Shelonda nodded, “I love it in there. Last dance party I spent the whole night in there.” “But, I think I've had enough play for now.” Tascha turned to Don, “Shall we?” As they got up and found a little clean-up station and stacks of towels inside the entrance to the room, Amy asked, “Where are we going?” “To find the garden,” Shelonda volunteered. “Or the Player,” Don added. “Oh, the Player's fun!” Amy said cheerfully. “Not that we're very likely to find either before we get into more mischief,” Tascha laughed. Jamie seemed to be following along with Tascha, which Tascha silently admitted she didn't mind at all. The girl was cheerful, boundlessly enthusiastic, and just look at those tits! Jamie didn't seem to care where they were going, but just planned to tag along and see what happened, at least for now. As they made their way out through the disco's main room, Tascha thought back over the wild fuck frenzy she'd been on since she came in here. In part, she blamed Don and his arranging to have those four men ravish her with him in the corridor upstairs. In part, she blamed this insanely weird place and the obviously drugged water. Mostly, though, she just felt like a wanton sex goddess. A slut goddess! She simultaneously felt like she'd been fucked enough for the rest of her life and like she was eager for the next adventure. She looked at the people having sex around her and just smiled, thinking, That looks like fun. She and Don and their little posse of women stepped out into the corridor, and immediately caught sight of none other than Igor. They would have called out to him, but he obviously saw them and beckoned. As if he assumed they would follow him, he headed off toward the elevator. Of course, Tascha and Don, followed by the others, did hurry after the short, muscular man. Shelonda asked, “Who's that?” “He's a friend of the Player,” Amy said, “and a good fuck, too. He's like a machine.” “I did not know that,” Tascha said with interest. Igor got into the elevator and held the door for them. When they were all piled in, he pressed the button for the fifth floor. As the car began to move, one of them; Don; finally thought to ask, “Are you taking us to the Player?” Igor simply nodded once, and continued to watch the front of the elevator. “Looks like we're going to find the Player before the mischief,” Don said to Tascha. “More likely both at the same time,” Tascha smirked. “I like the sound of that,” said Amy. Tascha had to admit that she did too. She found herself intrigued and excited by the expectation of seeing the Player and his girls again. The elevator doors opened and Igor led them down a straight corridor, past a number of side passages to a big pair of doors at the very end. He opened the doors and walked through, followed by Tascha, Don and their girls. “Ah, Tascha and Don!” said the Player's booming voice, “welcome to the big bed room!” This room was about as big as the one she and Don had originally awoken in, but was almost filled by a gigantic bed. It seemed about the size of a tennis court. In the middle of it, sat the Player looking through a large book. Lounging around him were Ilsa, Natalia, Keiko, Peter and a staggering new beauty. In front of the Player was a tray with a few items on it. Igor climbed up on the bed and crawled over to sit on the edge of the Player's group. Among their party, Tascha led the way, climbing up and crawling over. “And you brought more playmates with you,” the Player grinned. “Excellent! Hello again, Amy. This is Marissa.” The new woman smiled at them. Marissa had thick dark hair hanging straight down over her full, round breasts. She had a swimsuit model's body, and a ‘come fuck me' look about her eyes. Tascha said, “This is Shelonda and Jamie.” After the pleasantries were over, Don asked, “Did you send Igor to find us specifically?” “Indeed,” the Player nodded, idly turning a page in the book on his lap. “We're very glad you did, but why?” “Oh, well, I remembered my promise to help you find the garden,” he smiled, “and I have devised a new game I want to try.” “A new game?” Don asked. “It should be great fun,” the Player nodded and closed the book with a ‘whump'. “And then you'll help us find the garden?” Tascha pressed. “Of course! I promised, after all. We could go now, but it's night and, although the garden can be fun at night, it's no fun searching it for exits in the dark.” Tascha thought this made sense. She shrugged and said, “OK.” “Wait,” Don cut in. “How long did it take for Igor to find us?” “Not long. Why?” “Just curious,” Don said. “Alright,  No, one more thing. Where did you get that book?” “From the library, of course,” the Player smiled and slid it across to him. “The library, of course,” Don repeated. Tascha saw that the book was something like the Kama Sutra, with hundreds of pages of pictures of sex positions. “So,” Tascha said, “tell us about this new game.” “Well, first,” the Player explained, “we have to randomly pair up. There are twelve of us, so that makes six couples. Excellent! We'll each roll this die and pair off with matching numbers.” This was not as simple as that, because duplicate numbers were rolled. Eventually, though, Ilsa paired up with Marissa on 1; Amy matched with Igor on 2; Shelonda and Peter teamed up on 3; Jamie and the Player got 4; Tascha and Natalia paired on 5; and Don and Keiko got 6. Naturally enough, some of the couples assumed that they should immediately start playing with each other; particularly Don and Keiko, who were all over each other at the first opportunity; but the Player said, “No, no! Not yet! Remember your numbers, and get in a circle in numeric order. OK, good. Remember your numbers! I expect things to get complicated quick, and it will all be a mess if we don't remember our numbers. “Alright now, first, Ilsa and Marissa will roll the die twice, identifying two couples, or just one if they roll the same number twice. And then one of them, Ilsa or Marissa, will keep time with this little hourglass, or minute glass, or whatever, while the other directs the couples whose numbers were rolled to do whatever she likes. When the time is up, Amy and Igor will roll the dice, and, no doubt, Amy will direct their couples while Igor times. We'll work our way around the circle, and when it's your team's turn again you switch rolls, timer and director. Right?” “I think I get it,” Tascha said. “But what if they roll their own number?” “Good,” the Player nodded. “I think it makes sense to have them roll again.” Tascha thought this was reasonable and nodded. No one else had any questions at the moment. Ilsa rolled the die twice for her team, and it came up 4 each time. As the Player and Jamie crawled into the middle of the circle, Don wondered, “Are we sure those dice aren't loaded?” Ilsa thought for a moment, and then, when Ilsa started talking, Marissa turned the timer over. Ilsa said, “Show us how well you can suck that big cock of his, Jamie.” “Oh goodie!” Jamie said, and reached down to lift the Player's flaccid cock so she could get it into her mouth. Even though it wasn't anywhere near fully hard it was quite thick, but Jamie managed to get quite a bit of it into her mouth and then began to get some of it into her throat. The Player was leaning back on his haunches as Jamie began to rock back and forth on her knees, moving her mouth and throat on his cock, which was gradually stiffening. Before it got too thick, though, Jamie pulled back and just concentrated on the fat head, stroking the now wet shaft with both her hands. She bobbed her head up and down on the end of the Player, obviously enjoying having such a big toy to play with. Then, abruptly, Marissa called “Time!” Her voice was surprisingly deep and sexy. Tascha couldn't wait to get her hands on this new woman. The platter, die and timer passed to Amy and Igor, and the numbers came up 5 and 3. Tascha felt her pulse quicken as she crawled out to the center of the bed with Natalia to meet Shelonda and Peter. She hadn't done anything so far with Peter, though she had enjoyed seeing Ilsa give him a blowjob the day before. “Give me a minute to think,” Amy said. She rolled the die again, and said, “OK, Natalia wins. Peter lie on your back, and Natalia sit on his face. Lick her good, Peter! Tascha and Shelonda, you two share his cock.” As Peter moved to comply as quickly as possible, Tascha and Shelonda got on either side of him. When he was on his back, Tascha leaned over and took hold of his already stiffening cock and ran her tongue over the head. Shelonda leaned down and licked the base of his shaft and his balls. Tascha sucked the head of Peter's cock into her mouth and then proceeded to show off her new-found deepthroating skill, sinking down on the full length of him. When she pulled back, Shelonda took a turn, and Tascha watched the tiny girl make his shaft disappear into her mouth and throat. Tascha noticed that Natalia was kneeling over Peter's face, and the latter was holding her in place with his hands on her ass. When Shelonda came up for air, Tascha leaned in again and the two began to lick Peter's cock thoroughly. Meeting at the top, they kissed around the purple head of his cock. It was a delicious sensation for them, so Tascha guessed it must feel very good to him. Tascha took his head into her mouth again, while Shelonda stroked the shaft. Then Amy announced, “Time's up!” Both Peter and Natalia were blatantly disappointed to have to return to their positions in the circle. Tascha saw how the short amount of time and the random pairings were going to get everyone worked up in a hurry. Having the other players direct the action kept people involved at a higher level than they would be if they were just watching sex, though that was pretty good all on its own. Shelonda rolled two 1's next, so Ilsa and Marissa crawled out to the center of the bed. Peter manned the timer, and Shelonda prepared to direct. Tascha thought the two women, Ilsa and Marissa, were a nice match. They were both tall and statuesque, but while Ilsa was light and Nordic, Marissa was dark and possibly of Italian descent. Tascha could easily imagine Marissa in the Italian countryside wearing a low cut peasant dress. “As lightly as you can, run your fingers over each other,” Shelonda said. “Yes, that's good, barely touch each other.” The two beauties knelt facing each other and ran their fingers lightly over each other. Marissa started at Ilsa's shoulders and moved up along her neck and then barely caressed Ilsa's face. Ilsa, meanwhile, started at Marissa's hips and slowly worked her way upward until she was tracing patterns around Marissa's nipples. “Lean in closer,” Shelonda ordered, “but don't touch. Nothing should be touching your partner but the tips of your fingers.” Tascha noticed she was on edge watching the two women; she could only imagine how erotic they found the situation. When Peter called “Time,” Marissa pulled Ilsa's face to her and kissed her hard. “Now, now,” the Player laughed. “There'll be time for that later, ladies.” The next set of numbers was 6 and 2, so Don, Keiko, Amy and Igor moved to the center of the bed. Jamie said, “OK, girls, let's see how hard you can get your partners without using your mouths.” Keiko and Amy immediately began to stroke and caress their respective partner's cocks. Tascha noticed that Don responded quicker than Igor, though Amy certainly gave it her all, pulling and caressing Igor's cock all over, as well as fondling his balls. Then Keiko turned around and backed up against Don. She started doing a kneeling bump and grind against him, which Tascha had no doubt would make any man rock hard in seconds. Then Keiko reached behind her and Tascha could tell she was working Don's cock into her pussy. “Uh-uh, Keiko,” Jamie said, laughing a little. “You said no mouths,” Keiko protested. “And now I'm saying no pussies,” Jamie smirked. Keiko opened her mouth, but then the Player announced that the time was up. It was Tascha and Natalia's turn next, and Tascha promptly rolled a 4 and a 3. Jamie, the Player, Shelonda and Peter crawled to the center of the bed. Tascha said, “Jamie and Shelonda, face each other. Good, now start kissing.” The two young women immediately and enthusiastically started making out with each other, running their hands all over their partner's backs and backsides. “OK,” Tascha said, “you two guys, each of you get behind one of the girls. Take your cocks and push them between their legs. Don't enter them; just get your cocks up there along their slits and clits. Feel free to use your hands on the ladies.” The Player was sliding his big cock back and forth between Jamie's legs. His head was actually poking out in front of her. He had his big hands on her large tits, squeezing and holding them. Peter was doing much the same to Shelonda, though he had reached around and down to get his fingers on her clit. The two women, who continued to make out, were clearly in a state of heightened arousal; Tascha could see that the Player's cock was shiny with Jamie's wetness. The men were also really getting into things. Everyone around the circle was watching the show intently, including Natalia, who somewhat belatedly said, “Uh, time.” Don rolled two 2's, so Amy and Igor took center stage. Without any hesitation, Don said, “On your hands and knees Amy. Good. Igor, fuck her. Give it to her hard.” Amy grinned at Don, and then scrunched up her pretty face as Igor pushed his big cock into her from behind. With his strong hands on her ass, Igor did as he was told and fucked into Amy's pussy with deep, forceful strokes, shoving her forward on the bed. Amy's tits swung underneath her and her face contorted with a wild assortment of expressions as Igor plowed into her. “God damn!” she exclaimed. “Yes! Fuck me!” Then, Keiko announced, loudly, “Time's up!” Igor immediately pulled out of Amy and started back to their part of the circle. Amy stayed there, panting and stunned by the sudden lack of fucking. “Any other guy would have kept going anyway,” the Player observed. “I know it,” Don said with obvious satisfaction. Tascha was definitely seeing a different side of Don. “Now that we've gone around the circle once, we'll double the time,” the Player said. “So, when the sand runs out, flip the timer over. This means the person watching the time will have to pay attention. Oh, and now the other team mate does the directing, except for Amy and Igor, of course.” The die came up 3 and 4, so Jamie, the Player, Shelonda and Peter returned to the middle of the circle. In her sexy, husky voice, Marissa directed the women to lie down on their backs next to each other, but in opposite directions, and then told the men to get between their legs and then exactly what to do with their mouths and tongues. Soon both Jamie and Shelonda were writhing and moaning. Before time ran out, Shelonda cried out that she was coming, and just as Ilsa said “Time,” Jamie joined in with a little shriek and obvious trembling and clenching. The next numbers were 1 and 5; Ilsa, Marissa, Tascha and Natalia. Amy said, “Daisy chain, girls. Sort it out quick and get to licking pussy.” Though there was some small confusion at first, they quickly got things worked out so that each woman was lying on her left side, with her right leg crooked and up in the air and head lying on the inside of the next woman's left leg. In this way, they formed a kind of daisy square, each one going down on someone while someone else went down on them. Tascha was sampling Marissa's sweet pussy and clit, while Marissa ate Natalia who was tonguing Ilsa who was licking and sucking at Tascha. Ilsa certainly knew how to please a woman, and Tascha felt rapidly intensifying delight spreading from her clit. She tried to concentrate on pleasuring Marissa, licking and sucking on her enthusiastically. For her part, Marissa was wriggling on the bed, moving her clit against Tascha's mouth. Before they were stopped there was a rising chorus of moans around the chain, and Tascha felt a long, intense orgasm burst through her. She tried to keep licking at Marissa without stopping, and in another moment was rewarded as the dark beauty came hard on her face. When the women finally disentangled themselves and crawled back to their positions, the die came up 4 and 1, so Ilsa and Marissa headed right back to the middle, joined by Jamie and the Player. Peter directed, “Ilsa, get down on your back. Jamie, on your hands and knees over her; no, the other way, like for a 69. Player, get behind Jamie and start fucking her. Ilsa, play with Jamie's clit. Marissa, do whatever you can to help Jamie enjoy herself.” It took the Player a while to work his big cock into Jamie's ready but comparatively tiny pussy. While he was pushing into her, Ilsa was busy stroking Jamie's clit and Marissa was kissing and caressing every part of her body within reach. Marissa got down in front of Jamie and kissed and stroked her face, as the Player pulled out and then pushed into her. Jamie gasped, “Oh my God!” Then the Player started to fuck her in earnest, and Marissa reached around to catch hold of her big tits. With the Player stretching her pussy, filling her completely, Ilsa stroking her clit, and Marissa pinching and twisting her nipples, it was not long at all before Jamie actually screamed as her orgasm tore through her. “Damn!” Tascha breathed. The die came up 6 and 3, so Don, Keiko, Shelonda and Peter moved into the middle of things. The Player gave instructions: “Let's make Shelonda the center of attention. Keiko, on your back to play Ilsa's part, and Shelonda get on your hands and knees just like Jamie was. Good. Don, have you fucked this adorable young woman? OK, then, Peter, get behind her. Don, you get her mouth. Well, get busy people make that woman come!” Tascha watched as Don first leaned down to kiss Shelonda tenderly while Peter was pushing his cock into her. Then Don was presenting his cock, which Shelonda eagerly started to suck on. The men were soon fucking her from both ends, and her pretty brown tits were swaying back and forth underneath her. Keiko worked at her clit intently. Soon Shelonda was whimpering around Don's cock, and this quickly became a full blown orgasm shaking her from head to toe. It was Tascha and Natalia's turn next, and the die came up 4 and 6, so Jamie, the Player, Don and Keiko all took their places. Before Natalia could start, Tascha whispered to her, “Don hasn't done anything with Jamie yet, and I'd really like to see the Player fucking Keiko.” Natalia smiled back at her, saying, “She's so tiny, and she loves it. Good idea.” Then she said to the four in the middle of the circle, “OK, switch partners. Peter, toss Don that tube of lubricant. You know what to do with that, Don. Player, on your back, and Keiko, show us how you fuck that cock.” Don spread lube on his very hard cock and then reached between Jamie's legs to get at the buxom blonde's ass. Jamie wriggled happily as his fingers entered her. Tascha watched as Don coaxed Jamie onto her back with her feet straight up in the air. He got into position, and she rested her heels against his shoulders. Don rolled her butt up in the air and started to push his phallus into her tight ass. Soon he was fucking in and out of her, while she frantically stroked her clit and her luscious tits jiggled over her pretty face. Tascha thought Jamie certainly seemed to be enjoying herself. Meanwhile, petite Keiko had straddled the Player in much the same way as Tascha had done the day before, except that she was able to accept the Player's girth more easily and so was able to slide up and down on the big head and top of the shaft more easily. She was also supplementing this fucking by rubbing her clit. Both of the women were able to bring themselves off, with the help of their partner's hard cocks, before Tascha called time. Keiko needed a moment to recuperate, so Don rolled the die for her and came up with 5 and 2. Tascha and Natalia crawled into the middle of the bed, where they were joined by Amy and Igor. Tascha noticed that Don and Keiko were conferring a bit, just as she and Natalia had on the last turn. She wasn't surprised when Keiko said, “Tascha, it's time for you to get on your hands and knees. Igor, get behind Tascha and fuck her.” Without any preliminaries, but with absolutely no clumsiness, Igor got behind her, and pushed the fat head of his large cock into her very wet pussy. In spite of all the cocks she'd had in her that day and evening, this was easily the largest, and it felt very good to be filled so fully. She pushed back at Igor, wanting as much as he could give her. He obliged her by pushing in as far he was able, and then slowly but steadily fucking her, gradually building up the pace. Tascha felt his heavy balls slapping against her clit. Keiko had told Natalia and Amy to do something, but Tascha was past paying attention. She was only aware of the big cock moving in and out of her pussy and the need to keep pushing back on that wonderful shaft of flesh. Suddenly she was seized by the fear that Don would call “time” on her. She said over her shoulder, “Don't stop fucking me, Igor!” Then Tascha heard Keiko saying, “Fuck her hard, Igor.” Tascha nodded, and said, “Yes! Harder!” Igor had her narrow waist in his strong hands and was moving her body in time with his rapid, deep thrusting. Tascha felt like he was going to shatter her from the inside, but it felt so very good. Then she felt Igor's cock spasm deep in her pussy and a flood of warmth flooded her, and she came at the same time. Her whole body felt like it was flying apart, knocked to pieces by the battering ram of Igor's cock. The orgasm went on and on, until she reeled and fell forward on the bed. Igor's cock came out of her with a wet 'plop!' sound. She lay there smiling for several long minutes. She gradually became aware that the game had broken down into an orgy around her. She could see Jamie on her hands and knees getting the treatment Shelonda had gotten just a little while ago, but with Igor fucking her from behind and Peter in her mouth. From the sounds of things, a lot of other things were going on as well. She smiled then, when a gentle touch brushed the hair out of her face and a light kiss touched her cheek. “How are you doing, my love?” Don said as he lied down and put his arm around her. “Um,” she smiled and rolled back toward him, so that they were spooned together, as they had been when they awoke here for the first time. “I'm doing wonderfully, love.” Don seemed content to just hold her there, lightly kissing her shoulder and the back of her neck. She could feel his slippery and still very hard cock against her butt. She pushed back against him, and wiggled her butt a bit. She felt Don laugh a little, and then he moved his arm to reach down and take hold of himself and slip between her legs. Tascha could feel the head of his cock slipping into her pussy. They had only had sex for the first time that morning, and already it felt natural for both of them for him to be inside her. But that wasn't what she wanted right now. She pulled away from him, so the head of his cock slipped back away from her pussy. Just to make sure there was no misunderstanding, she turned her head and said, “Go easy, Don; I've never done this before.” He reached down again, this time to slip a couple of fingers up inside her very slippery pussy. Once his fingers were good and wet, which was pretty much immediately, she felt them slip out of her and then pushing against her asshole. She made a conscious effort to relax, which wasn't too difficult at the moment, and felt his fingers ease into her. She breathed deeply and realized that it felt very good to have those fingers up her butt. Don worked them in and out of her a few times, and then they slipped out of her. Tascha whimpered a little, and then she felt the fat head of Don's cock against her. Again, she took a deep breath and relaxed even more than she already was. Don's cock pushed past the tight ring of muscles of her sphincter, and then it was just a steady feeling of being exquisitely filled. She sighed deeply as he kept pushing slowly into her. When he was all the way in, he paused, giving her a chance to adjust. “God, this feels wonderful,” she told him. “Fuck me, Don.” Moving slowly at first, he drew out of her almost all the way and then firmly slid back into her. He repeated this half a dozen times, and then began to fuck her more vigorously. Tascha was enjoying this thoroughly and felt like she could just have him do this until he came and she would be quite content, but then Amy crawled up to her. She had quite a lot of cum shining on her face and tits. She leaned down to look at the expression on Tascha's face, gave her a wonderfully mischievous smile and said, “He's fucking your ass, isn't he?” “Oh yeah!” she grinned. “Um. Let me have a look.” She promptly maneuvered herself around to lie on her side facing Tascha, but with the opposite orientation, so that her face was level with Tascha's crotch and her own was up near Tascha's face. When she felt Amy nudging her leg up, she lifted it for her. Tascha then felt Amy's hair gently on the insides of her thighs and Amy's mouth on her pussy and clit. Tascha just enjoyed the sensations of Amy licking her and Don's cock moving in and out of her butt, but then the temptation of Amy's pussy so close won her over. She reached over to pull Amy closer. The other woman scooted in and parted her legs for Tascha, who began to suck and lick at Amy. This blissful arrangement went on for several moments, until Tascha was surprised by the sudden appearance of a big cock head between Amy's legs, and, well, right in Tascha's face. She had no doubt it was the Player's. She took a moment to give it a kiss hello, and then went back to tonguing Amy's clit as she watched the Player's cock push itself into Amy's tight pussy. Soon she was watching this big shaft of dark cock, slick with Amy's juices, sliding back and forth in front of her eyes, while she lapped at the woman's clit hungrily. Then she felt herself riding a crest of ecstasy, as a long, primal orgasm worked its way through the core of her being. She was clenching and moaning between Don and Amy. This was the final straw for Don, and he began to pump what felt like a geyser of cum up into her bowels. Amy joined in on the orgasmic chorus, taking her mouth off Tascha long enough to exclaim, “Holy fuck!” Only moments later, Tascha watched as the Player's cock swelled and seemed to pulse. He was filling Amy with cum, and then he pulled out of her, spraying more cum all over Tascha's face. Laughing, she leaned forward and caught the head in her mouth and sucked on it, eagerly swallowing any remaining jizz. When the Player pulled away, she bent her mouth to Amy's pussy and clit and did her best to lick and suck up all of the Player's cum. This brought Amy to another, though much less intense, orgasm. Tascha smiled to herself and thought, Job well done. She was aware of changes around her, as Don finally took his cock out of her but continued to lay pressed against her back with his arm around her. Amy pulled away, and lay down in front of her, at first kissing and licking the Player's cum off Tascha's face, but then just lying there smiling in her sleep. Tascha thought to herself, Life is good, and let herself drift off to sleep. To be continued, in Garden By BradentonLarry for Literotica Source: ex-plicitly-novel

Welcome to Allocator's Edge, a Value Perspective podcast mini-series where we will be engaging in conversations with some of the world's top capital allocators. In an environment of heightened inflation and interest rates, we aim to unravel how and why capital allocators make the decisions that they do. The series will shed light on the inner workings of capital allocation to help listeners gain a better understanding of mandates and the intricate dance between strategy and reality. New episodes of the Allocator's Edge will be released on alternating Thursdays. In this episode we look at some of the challenges currently facing the pensions industry in the UK and Europe. We're joined by Peter Ward and Eilert Hinrichs from L.E.K. Consulting. L.E.K. Consulting is a world-class strategy consulting firm with over 40 years' experience advising companies. Its expertise includes corporate strategy, M&A, operations, and organisational performance. Both Peter and Eilert have over twenty years' experience in advising investors and leaders in the financial services sector. In this episode we cover: what the landscape for the defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) industry looks like in the UK; whether Peter and Eilert think DB in the UK is dead; how Insurance is participating in the de-risking of the DB space; Peter and Eilert's outlook for Europe; and finally the findings and implications of a survey on the cost of ESG amongst different age groups in the UK. Enjoy! NEW EPISODES: We release main series episodes every two weeks on Mondays. You can subscribe via Podbean or use this feed URL (https://tvpschroders.podbean.com/feed.xml) in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and other podcast players. GET IN TOUCH: send us a tweet: @TheValueTeam  Important information. This podcast is for investment professionals only. Marketing material for Financial Professionals and Professional Clients only.  The material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice, or investment recommendations.  Reliance should not be placed on any views or information in the material when taking individual investment and/or strategic decisions.  Past Performance is not a guide to future performance and may not be repeated.  Diversification cannot ensure profits or protect against loss of principal.  The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amounts originally invested.  Exchange rate changes may cause the value of investments to fall as well as rise.  Investing in emerging markets and securities with limited liquidity can expose investors to greater risk.  Private assets investments are only available to Qualified Investors, who are sophisticated enough to understand the risk associated with these investments.  This material may contain “forward-looking” information, such as forecasts or projections. Please note that any such information is not a guarantee of any future performance and there is no assurance that any forecast or projection will be realised.  Reliance should not be placed on any views or information in the material when taking individual investment and/or strategic decisions. The views and opinions contained herein are those of the individuals to whom they are attributed and may not necessarily represent views expressed or reflected in other Schroders communications, strategies or funds.  Any reference to regions/ countries/ sectors/ stocks/ securities is for illustrative purposes only and not a recommendation to buy or sell any financial instruments or adopt a specific investment strategy. Any data has been sourced by us and is provided without any warranties of any kind. It should be independently verified before further publication or use. Third party data is owned or licenced by the data provider and may not be reproduced, extracted or used for any other purpose without the data provider's consent. Neither we, nor the data provider, will have any liability in connection with the third party data.  

Both Peter in his long ministry and James in his shorter ministry and less prominent role fulfilled God's purposes for them. God has different paths for each of us in our service for Him. But to serve Him is to engage in a divine work that ultimately cannot be defeated. Claim your FREE membership in Friends of Wisdom today! https://www.wisdomonline.org/lp/friends

Devin: Peter, what is your superpower?Peter: My superpower is caring and doing humanitarian efforts most of my life.Devin: John, what's your superpower?John: I grew up in a very large family, and the concept of getting along with people comes into play because, you know, you got to love brothers and sisters.When Peter Teahen started thinking about this round-the-world trip, his wife was supportive but didn't expect him to pull it off. After a year, when he announced his plan to actually go, she insisted he find a co-pilot. Luckily, marriage had connected the pair to a cousin who was also a pilot, John Ockenfels.John, with over three decades in Rotary, was excited to make the trip and, after a few weeks of contemplation–and discussion with his wife–agreed to the journey and brought the fight to end polio to the flight.That, it turns out, was just the beginning of their challenges.“This was the trip that couldn't be done, that shouldn't be done, that nobody in their right mind was going to do. But somehow, we managed to pull that off,” John says.Planned for 2020, the pair had their trip canceled by covid. Rescheduled for 2021, covid's relentlessness canceled the second effort. A third effort, in 2022, was blocked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The duo had planned to take an established northern route that included stops in Russia. US-Russia tension after the attack resulted in revoked invitations. Almost anyone else would have given up at this point. The primary alternative, a southern route, would require 15 and 17-hour-long hops over the Pacific, which their plane couldn't handle.Undeterred, the pilots just bought a plane that could make the trip!They left on May 5th and returned on July 31st. Over the years of preparation and during the flight, the duo raised millions for polio, counting the $2 for $1 match provided by the Gates Foundation.“We believe we had just raised our first million dollars before our departure. Since then, we're pretty sure that we've got at least another half a million that we've raised along the route. So that's going to be a pretty good check to the Rotary Foundation,” John says.Rotary leads the global effort, now funded primarily by the Gates Foundation, in collaboration with UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control.John explained the history from his perspective, “I joined Rotary in 1986. They had just gotten on board with this polio elimination program. At that point, three-fourths of the world was endemic with polio. We watched these charts go from red to green as polio around the world went away.”Today, polio is endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan. A 2022 visitor from Pakistan was contagious, and the first case of polio in the US in decades was recorded.Peter explains the growing vulnerability around the world, including in rich countries:In today's environment, where there's a decline in people vaccinating, especially post-covid, a lot of people have just dismissed vaccinations. The vaccination rate in the world is at the lowest it's been for years. That sets up trouble for children and families whose children will be exposed to the polio virus. Studies show that if we don't eliminate polio soon, in the next ten years, we'll see 200,000 new cases of polio. It's time to stop. It's time to get across the finish line.Completing the journey and raising so much money to end polio required the pilots to use their superpowers, Peter's caring and John's getting along with people.AI Episode Summary* Peter Teahen and John Ockenfels completed a round-the-world trip in their Cessna airplane to raise money and awareness for the fight to end polio.* Peter had the dream to fly his plane around the world and started planning in 2018.* He approached John, who initially hesitated but eventually joined the trip.* Their original route was canceled three times due to Covid and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, so they had to plan a new southern route.* The route included stops in Newfoundland, Iceland, Europe, Crete, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kuala Lumpur, Surabaya, Darwin, Canes, Brisbane, Pango Pango, Hawaii, Maui, and Oakland.* The trip was challenging, and they faced risks and limited communication, but they successfully completed the journey.* Their goal was to raise money for the fight against polio, as there are still cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan.* They raised over a million dollars before their departure and believe they raised another half million along the route.* They emphasized the importance of polio eradication and the need for continued vaccinations and funding.* Their trip was a spiritual journey, and they were inspired by the support and dedication they witnessed in communities affected by polio.How to Develop Caring As a SuperpowerPeter shared his feelings about the trip, which included time volunteering directly to give oral polio vaccines to children:For me, this trip around the world became a spiritual journey. It was so true, especially when we were working in the ghettos in the poorest part of Karachi in Pakistan, holding babies in our arms and giving them the vaccine, talking to the parents, talking to the caregivers who are there. It moved me to tears.In Afghanistan, a lot of the resistance came from the fathers of the children who would prohibit the vaccinations. John and I witnessed in the ghettos of Karachi, where the fathers came out of their homes with their babies in their arms, and they presented their children for the polio [vaccine] drops. That brought tears to my eyes. I'm thinking that is the power of humanity when in one country, people would be killed for giving drops to their children and through education and creating an environment where they felt safe, the men presented their children for the drops.By following his example of caring, you strengthen your ability to care, potentially helping to create a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.How to Develop Getting Along With People As a SuperpowerJohn grew up in a large family and learned a lot of lessons there. He shared a notable insight:Being in that large family, we didn't really have a lot of money. We had to make do. But we also found out that we got a lot of help from other people.I found out that returning that help, giving that help back and working in other entities, Rotary or Jaycees or whatever the organization is–many other organizations I've been working in–I enjoy that aspect of it. Even today, now that I'm retired, my wife and I still spend many, many hours every week and every year in particular, doing things for other organizations for which we get no funding or no pay. And we're okay with that.John has worked his entire career with his four brothers in the family business. He shared the advice he often gives to help people learn to get along. “There are differences for everybody and everything. Play to those differences. Work with those differences, and you can make a difference.”By following his example and advice, you can emulate John's ability to get along with others, serve in your community and make it a strength that can enable you to do even more good in the world.Superpowers for Good is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Guest-Provided ProfileAbout Flight To End Polio: Our pilots, Peter Teahen and John Ockenfels, are raising awareness for polio eradication by piloting a single-engine aircraft all the way around the globe in 90 days. Only 700 pilots in history have ever achieved this feat, and less than 270 are alive today! Both Peter and John are Rotarians and members of the Fellowship of Flying Rotarians. They departed from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on May 5th, 2023, and returned on July 30th. They flew a 1977 Cessna T210M (single-engine) airplane. Along the way, they encouraged support of ending polio forever throughout the world.Website: FlightToEndPolio.comCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/flighttoendpolio/John Ockenfels (he/him):Pilot, Flight To End PolioBiographical Information: John has been piloting small aircraft for over 43 years. He maintains antique training airplanes from World War II in his free time and is the proud owner of two WWII war birds.He is a member of the Iowa City, Iowa A.M. Rotary Club and also served as District Governor for Rotary District 6000. Like Peter, John is also a member of the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians.John is now retired, having spent his career as CEO of City Carton Recycling, based in Iowa City, Iowa. John attended the University of Iowa and then served in the United States Air Force from 1972 to 1976. Two years of his service to our country was as a crew member on board an AC-130 aircraft in Thailand.Personal Facebook Profile: John OckenfelsPeter Teahen (he/him):Pilot, Flight to End PolioBiographical Information: Peter is an experienced pilot and has been piloting small aircraft for over 47 years. He is a member of the Cedar Rapids West Rotary Club and of the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians.​Peter is a Funeral Director and President of Teahen Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids, IA. He is an author and a mental health professional. He was awarded the designation of Diplomate from the National Center for Crisis Management and the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Peter serves on the faculty at the University of Iowa and is the founder of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival.Peter has served in leadership roles on sixty-seven major disasters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Sri Lanka, Haiti, and the Darfur Region of Sudan. He responded to the September 11th World Trade Center attack, Hurricane Katrina, Indonesian Tsunami in 2004, and the Haiti Earthquake in 2010. He is recognized for his work on aviation disasters and is internationally known for his work in critical incident stress management and the psycho-social impact of disasters.He has served as a volunteer for 19 years as national media spokesperson for the American Red Cross. He has been interviewed on Good Morning America, Oprah, Weather Channel, Fox News, the British Broadcasting Company and Aljazeera.Peter is the recipient of numerous national awards of distinction that includes the National Public Spirit Award. American Legion Auxiliary. Previous recipients include Ronald Reagan, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Ann Landers, and Dr. Robert Schuller.For a complete record of Peter's boundless volunteerism, professional accomplishments, and philanthropic efforts, please visit PeterTeahen.com.Join us for the SuperCrowdHour with Lea Bouhelier-Gatreau of KingsCrowd as she explains how you can start investing for impact with just $100 on August 16th at 1:00 Eastern/10 Pacific. Register at half-price here.Léa is a Sr. Investment Analyst at KingsCrowd who writes the company's impact investing monthly article, providing investors with the best impact investing deals and market insights. She previously worked for Stanford's accelerator, StartX, and led the first award-winning study on the Malawian startup ecosystem. She holds a degree in Anthropology from France and studies at UC Davis, working toward an MBA. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at devinthorpe.substack.com/subscribe

Many people say they like and respect the Bible, but they don’t actually read it. More than half of respondents in a 2017 LifeWay survey said they had read little or none of it—at most, a few passages or stories. The good news is that 87 percent of Americans do have one or more Bibles in their homes. For God’s Word to bear fruit in our lives, we must not just own a copy, but read and study it regularly. Both Peter and Paul had read not only the Old Testament but also one another’s letters. Peter regarded Paul’s epistles as equivalent to the “other Scriptures” (v. 16). This suggests that the writers of the New Testament understood that the Holy Spirit was inspiring their writing. Alongside the Old Testament, it was also the Word of God— authoritative, true, and trustworthy. Jesus said the same about His own words (Matt. 24:35), and Peter the same about the eyewitness accounts of the apostles (see July 6). Peter was urging believers to “make every effort” to be found ready when Christ returns (v. 14). We should strive to live righteously and at peace with God. Instead of feeling impatient with the waiting, we should more deeply appreciate God’s patience (v. 15). He’s waiting for the full number to come to repentance and saving faith (2 Peter 3:9). Perhaps in case people had heard rumors of conflict (see Gal. 2:11–14), Peter assured his readers that he and Paul were in complete agreement about all this (v. 15). He credited Paul with God-given wisdom while also admitting that some things in his epistles are “hard to understand.” Even so, only “ignorant and unstable people” distort and misinterpret his teachings. They cannot win and will themselves reap destruction (v. 16). >> Consider your own commitment to knowing God’s Word. Have you read through the entire Bible? Do you make reading the Bible a regular practice? What steps can you take to help make this a healthy habit?

Dr. Chris Constantino joins Peter Reitzes to discuss facing old stuttering patterns, how stuttering has helped with public speaking skills, and the mitzvah of stuttering. Peter Reitzes is president of StutterTalk. Dr. Chris Constantino is an assistant professor at Florida State University. Both Peter and Chris are people who stutter and speech-language pathologist. 

On a special Mother's Day episode of This Italian-American Life, two self-proclaimed mamma's boys talk about the women that shaped and continue to shape their lives. Both Peter and Michael tell special stories about their own mothers and the extended family that raised them as well. Please enjoy and have a wonderful Mother's Day! Email us at ThisItalianAmericanLife@gmail.com

This episode is about all things acting! I interviewed my friend Peter and acquaintance Cole to understand the psychology behind acting and everything that goes into portraying a certain character. From stories of Chex mix urges gone wrong to understanding how to reveal a certain emotion through acting, one can begin to understand all of the intricacies behind the industry. Both Peter and Cole gave such valuable insight into their own experience and skills, which was a pleasure to hear about. Tune in for more, link in bio!@19yearoldshrinkpodcast

In this episode, we explore the age-old question of whether we are more like bold Peter or doubting Thomas. Through stories and reflections from the Bible, we examine the moments in our lives when we take risks, step out of our comfort zones, and demonstrate courage like Peter. At the same time, we also delve into the times when we have doubts, question our beliefs, and struggled with uncertainty like Thomas. But as we delve deeper, we discover that these two seemingly opposing traits are not mutually exclusive. Both Peter and Thomas were both bold and doubted at different times, and both of these qualities can coexist within us as well. Join us as we explore the complexities of human nature and the many ways in which we can embody both boldness and doubt in our own lives. Search the library for other shows with similar topics here. 

Recorded on MLK Day, Rabbi Joshua welcomes Dr. Peter Dreier, E.P. Clapp Distinguished Professor of Politics at Occidental College, and Ryan Bell, Southern California Regional Coordinator at Tenants Together, to discuss the recent passing of Measure H, a Pasadena ballot measure approving rent control. Both Peter and Ryan were active in the organizing effort that helped pass this measure, and the conversation discusses rents control in general, what this measure means for the city, and how Dr. King's work on Fair Housing is directly related to this issue.To learn more about Measure H:www.pasadenatenantsunion.orgTo learn more about Friends In Deed:www.friendsindeedpas.org

British citizen, Peter Humphrey used to be a fraud investigator and a journalist based in China. Peter and his wife who is an American citizen co-founded the company, ChinaWhys which was a risk-advisory firm based in Shanghai. In July 2013, both Peter and his wife were arrested by Chinese authorities. Their teenage son and only child was separated from both his parents. China is notorious for carrying out wrongful detentions especially when it comes to foreign nationals.  Both Peter and his wife were released almost two years later. Peter was released before his sentence ended due to poor health. Peter was sadly diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Denial of medical care by Chinese authorities during his imprisonment made his condition worse. Peter and his wife now live in England. Since his release, Peter has been mentoring the families with loved ones wrongfully imprisoned in China. On this episode, we have the honour of speaking to Peter himself.Using his experience as a journalist, Peter walks us through his imprisonment in China step by step in this detailed 3.5 hour interview. He talks about how he found the strength to keep on going and how he's coping now with his post-traumatic stress. We also discuss what the Chinese and British governments should do better. We end our interview discussing what international businesses, journalists and the public can do to help make sure this does not happen again.If you prefer, you can watch the video version of this interview on YouTube. For more information on Peter Humphrey, please check out the following:Peter Humphrey's LinkedIn pageGet the latest updates on hostage cases we at Pod Hostage Diplomacy are working on including new episodes by subscribing to our fortnightly newsletter, the Hostage Briefing. Subscribe here.You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.Support the show

A proper Christian greeting is important. Both Peter and Paul exhort us to uplift each other in this way.

Glory be to God! **

Welcome back to the Sunflower Allotment Podcast!This week we are celebrating National Tree Week by releasing two special episodes on fruit trees! In this episode, Rachel and Peter discuss choosing fruit trees and tips on how to plan trees including sighting, steaking, compost and location. Both Peter and Tim have been mulling over buying fruit trees this year so Rachel discusses the benefits of bare root and container trees along with potted trees for gardens and patios. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please do message via Twitter and Instagram on:@sunflowerpod1 Or email: sunflowerallotmentpodcast@gmail.com National Tree Week Link:https://treecouncil.org.uk/seasonal-campaigns/national-tree-week/

In this episode, for one last time on a weekly basis, Peter Mata & PGA Tour caddie, Derell Aton discuss the previous week's results (Tony Finau's 3rdwin this year at the Houston Open). Both Peter & Derell were there! The duo previews the RSM Classic where Derell is at this week & where he has many great memories. Lastly, they talk about the DP World Tour Championship and a special surprise for next episode. Music: "Warm Nights" by Lakey Inspired YouTube: https://youtu.be/l29YZ0JiKsE

0 (0s): Good morning harvest church. Let's 1 (3s): Come together. Let's stand and worship our Lord and savior Jesus Christ this morning. Amen. 0 (31s): Worship hockey. Come let bow his feet. He has John Gray things. 2 (45s): See 0 (45s): What a savior has done. See how his loves. He has done great things. 2 (58s): He 0 (59s): Has done great things. D oh, hero of heaven. You conquer the you free and cat and break every, oh God, you have done great. We, your you've been faithful through every store. 0 (1m 49s): You'll be faithful forever. You have great beans. You conquer the great, you free recap and break every chain. 0 (2m 30s): God, you have to, we, oh God, you have done great things. Sing. Hallelujah, 2 (2m 56s): Hallelujah. 0 (2m 58s): Above it. Hall hall. You done great things. Great things. And hall it. God shakeable you have done great things. You've done great things. Oh, hero of heaven. You conquer 2 (3m 36s): The great you 0 (3m 38s): See and break every chain. Oh God, you have done great days. We, your freedom alive. Oh Jesus. I save lived. Oh God, you have done great. Oh of heaven. You conquer. And, and 2 (4m 10s): Every, 0 (4m 11s): Oh God, 2 (4m 13s): You, 0 (4m 21s): Oh, savior, great. You great things. God, you, 2 (4m 47s): Oh, great 3 (4m 52s): Church. We're gonna sing a song called new wine. And this week, as I have been meditating on the lyrics, I've been in Matthew, Matthew nine, where talks about how you can't have new wine and old wine skins. And you can't have old wine and new wine skins. You have to have new wine and new wine skins. And I don't know about you, but I know that God wants to bring new wine out of my life. And I know he wants to bring new wine out of your lives as well. So would you sing this with me 2 (5m 43s): In the, 0 (5m 57s): To 2 (6m 30s): You 0 (6m 42s): The, in the soil 2 (7m 17s): Make me 0 (7m 18s): Your 2 (7m 24s): Make me, 0 (7m 37s): Me, 2 (7m 39s): Jesus, 0 (7m 50s): Outta out being 2 (8m 18s): A, 0 (8m 44s): Do five sing. Make me, so make me your, make me, me, whatever you want to. But all 2 (9m 14s): You 0 (9m 15s): Have given me Jesus out me. Jesus, 2 (9m 31s): Jesus. 0 (9m 55s): Out your spirit out your, we need your love. We need your love church. If you feel comfortable, would you just raise up your voice and sing out a song to a word in this moment? Love leg, your 2 (10m 40s): Me 0 (10m 41s): And me, whatever you want me to be. God, the Jesus out me. Jesus, Jesus out. 0 (11m 46s): And could not hold you the on before you 2 (11m 53s): You sign and the you, your what name? 2 (13m 3s): Name? The you're hitting. 2 (14m 21s): So what, what 0 (14m 56s): A, what a, 2 (15m 36s): The, 0 (15m 50s): Do you have? No. The what? 2 (17m 13s): Powerful name? Powerful name. What a powerful name, name? 0 (17m 48s): What 4 (18m 0s): We praise Jesus. You're so good. God, nothing compares to you. You have no rival and you have no equal Jesus. You are incredible. We lift your name high. We praise you in this place Lord. And when the world is chasing after this thing or that Lord in this house, we praise the Lord. We praise the Lord above all else. Jesus, because we realize our hope is in you, Lord. You are so, so, so good. And Lord, I just pray over every person here, the circumstances in their lives that they're coming in with Lord, you can address them. 4 (18m 44s): You can heal them. You can pour your love out on them. Jesus, your holy spirit is the great, the wonderful counselor. Jesus, you are the wonderful counselor. And so Lord, I just pray that you would counsel each person in this room. Lord, I just asked that each person would open their hearts and open their minds because you want to speak to us this morning. Jesus. And we want to hear from you. God, you are so good. We humble ourselves before you. We just exalt your name this morning. Jesus. We love you so much. And it's in his name. Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. 4 (19m 25s): All right. You can take your seats and thank you worship team. Thank you, Jesus. Let's give Jesus a hand. Woo. So good. All right. Well thank you for being here this morning. My name is Curtis. It's great to have you all here today. If you are new here, we've got a couple things for you. We've got coffee and tea out on the patio. We've got bathrooms down these hallways and water back there as well. So make yourself at home. We're we're really glad that you're here. We've got some stuff happening around here and we just encourage you to connect. So one of those things is that to be able to connect with you, we have to have your information. 4 (20m 8s): We have to have some way like your email or your phone number or something. And we would love to that. We would love for you to do that. And that's just a way for us to be able to get you on the email updates and all of that. So you can connect with life groups and really just so your walk with the Lord can continue to grow. So we wanna empower you. We wanna walk with you in that. So if you'd like, and you haven't done it yet, or if it's been a long time, since you've given us your information and maybe it's outdated, you can head back to the info center and fill out your info there. And we'd love to connect with you in that way. The next thing is that we've got a outreach happening this next Saturday. 4 (20m 47s): The harvest festival is gonna be happening. Lots of people right outside this building that we get to love on and just encourage. So at the harvest festival, we are gonna be out front, handing out love first and foremost. And then also we got water bottles and balloons for the kids and stuff like that. So if you want to come by, we're gonna be here from 8 45 to noon and just to love on the people coming by, they're coming right to our front doors. And so how can we pass that opportunity up? It's gonna be great. So we'd love for you to join us. Also, we've got our Bonko for babies event. This is gonna be to support lifeline and all of the unexpected pregnancies, the, the young girls and young boys, young men who are having unexpected pregnancies. 4 (21m 32s): If you wanna support them, head back to the info center and, and learn more about how you can get connected to that event. It's gonna be awesome. The last thing is that the Christian ethics class that I announced last week, apparently I did a really bad job explaining it. So, so these are some of the questions that we're gonna be talking about in the Christian ethics class, Dr. Stacy, Harmon's gonna be leading it. And it's just gonna be a powerful time to kind of dig into some of the harder questions in our lives. So if Sarah live today, we should get an IVF. Did Sampson commit suicide and our frozen embryos alive and have a soul. So these are just some of the questions that they'll be discussing. And it just kind of helps you dig into your faith a little bit and get some, get some Bible behind you. 4 (22m 16s): So if you wanna do that, it's gonna be on Thursdays at six 30 in the loft. So you can sign up at the info center for that. And then in just a minute, we're gonna be having Jeremy come back up and he's gonna share. The second part of his series of the veil is getting thinner and it's gonna be really great. But right now we're gonna have you get up and meet somebody you haven't met before. And we'll be back in just a minute. Thanks. 6 (24m 10s): All right. Good morning. Good morning, everyone. Good morning. So glad to see you all fellowshiping. What a great Sunday morning I, I gave the children's ministry. That, that, that heads up that I'm gonna go a little long. Alright. So I guess we need every bit of 35 minutes and plus more to get through the content for today, but I'm excited to be here. 6 (24m 56s): I'm I'm, I'm grateful for Steve who gave me once again, another privilege to come and share this. It seems like it's resonating with a lot of you. So that, that encouragement encourages me. I, I hope that you're digging in hope. You've looked at those passages. I hope you continue to do that. I, I, I hope you never just take, you know, a preacher's word for it. I hope you go back and really study and find it in the word of God. So that be principle from acts chapter 17, but I'm glad to be here sharing this message. Once again, we're talking about the veil is getting thinner and, and this and this, this thing that we're seeing and witnessing and around our world about the supernatural getting mixed or, or getting mingled with the natural realm. 6 (25m 44s): So what's what last week we really dug into like, what's, what's going on? What, what is, what is this, why are, why is the government releasing all this UFO stuff? Now? Why, why is this stuff happening? So we, we dug into that a little bit last week. If you missed that message, I would really encourage you to go back after this and, and listen to that, dig in steady. But so as we dig in, let me just give you the answer. Jesus is the answer. Okay? Jesus is the answer. Let's pray and we'll dig in heavenly father. We thank you for your word. We thank you for the complexities in it. We thank you that my daughters, a seven year old, a 10 year old can read your Bible and know it and understand it and coming to a saving knowledge Lord, but we're also thankful for a lifetime of study. 6 (26m 36s): Could never mind the depths of which your holy scriptures have Lord and what they, how they speak into our life and our culture, our context, the things that we're going through Lord. So we pray Lord that we would have the wherewithal to have to dig into the meat of the word of God, to be able to chew on these things. Lord. So Lord to God, as we open up your scriptures, Lord, speak to us in Jesus name, we pray. Amen. Let me tell you about three rebellions in the Bible. Because to the, the, the, to the biblical authors to the, the first century Jews, there was, there was three main rebellions that they understood that we've kind of lost sight of. 6 (27m 16s): We, we UN we know the first rebellion. That was the rebellion that happened in Genesis Genesis, chapter three, with the fall of man, kind of the fall of Adam, that sin that was passed on through Adam's sin of, of disobeying God, he, the sin that came upon him and the death, that how that was passed on through Adam to us. Now, we understand that Jesus came to undo and to pay for the penalty of that sin by dine on the cross, thereby giving us life. We understand that as Western Christians that is accurate, but what we missed is that they're actually in the old Testament, there was two more divine rebellions that happened. 6 (27m 56s): And it all goes back to the Genesis chapter one through 11, the more you understand, the more you dig into what was happening in Genesis chapters, one through 11, the more the, you will unlock the different complexities of the Bible of the word of God. Revelation will become something that you'll understand more greatly. As you understand the context of Genesis chapters, one through 11. The second rebellion is what we really talked about last week, the rebellion of the sons of God, see God made man in his own image and the image, God, he created the male and female. He created them. God made man in his own image and he placed his own code into us, but then the sons of God and their rebellion and, and, and justice, chapter six, they came and they tried to implant their own image on humanity. 6 (28m 43s): That's what the whole thing was. There was the mixing of the sons of God with the daughters of, of, of men. And so that was Genesis chapter through this, the second rebellion, these angels, these sons of God, rebelled of God's natural habitation for them and Jesus in his ministry was became not only to undo the fall of our sin of Genesis chapter three, but he also came to, to reclaim and to undo the sin of these sons of God. That's why Jesus so often, and throughout the scriptures, we see that Jesus came against many demons like March chapter one, verse 23. It says now there was a man in the synagogue with an unclean spirit. 6 (29m 25s): Whoa, wait a second. There's a church. And there's a man with an unclean spirit, a demonic spirit within him, a church that still happens today. But that man began to climb out, you know, who led us alone? Who have we to do with you? Jesus of Nather. You did you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You're the holy one of God. And Jesus cast him out. He rebuked him, caused him to be quiet because Jesus came to undo the fall of the sons of God. And not only that, but all three gospels record that Jesus went up onto a mountain and was transfigured before his disciples and then was joined by Moses and Elijah. That is because Jesus was showing himself to be greater than these sons of God. 6 (30m 9s): He was showing not only his disciples, but he was showing the evil, spiritual realm that he was God in flesh. And he was coming for them. The third rebellion that we find in scripture is the rebellion at Genesis chapter 11 at the tower of vowel, God blessed no one, his sons. And he says, go out and be fruitful and multiply. But one of those sons decided that they were not gonna do that. They were gonna then gather up the nations into one and they were gonna build a tower, remember to try to get above the flood as well, but to build a tower, to, to get to the heavens. And so they were building this tower. They gathered the nation into one place under the leadership of one person into one government. 6 (30m 56s): And not only that, but they Satan led this merging technology, human centered ATIC religion and a global government. All that was found in the, the supernatural rebellion in Genesis chapter 11. This is what Todd Hamson who wrote the book, the nonprofits guide to spiritual warfare. It has, if you look at the book, the front of the cover, it's corny, but it's really in depth. So I, I recommend this book at the parable bookstore, the nonprofits guide to spiritual warfare. This is what he said about Babylon. Babylon means gateway to God or gateway to the gods. Several times in scripture, phone angels are referred to as lowercase G gods at the tower of Babybel man and evil entities were attempting to work together through the veil that separates the scene and the unseen realms in open defiance against the Lord, knowing that with that, they would, that rebellion would incur God's judgment. 6 (31m 55s): That's what was happening at Babylon. So how did Jesus undo that? Well, you see at babble, the languages and the nations were divided. Deutero 32 that says within that division, Deutero 32 versus seven through nine says, remember the days of old consider the years of many generations ask your fathers and he will show you your elders. And they will tell you when the most high gave the nations, their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples, according to the number of the sons of God. But the Lord's portion is his people, Jacob, his allotted heritage. 6 (32m 38s): So I said, when God divided the nations, not only to divide the languages and he sent out nations, is that he also put over the, these different nations, supernatural powers, these divine, these sons of God, these divine beings. And he gave them over the ch that's why we see a Daniel. When Daniels in Persia, the, he, he, his prayers were withheld by the prince of the, the prince of the Persia. He was withheld by the spiritual force that was overseeing that nation because God had given that nation to that according to D 32, but God claimed for himself is Israel and Jacobs allotted heritage. 6 (33m 18s): That's why in Jesus' ministry. Jesus first sends out his 12 disciples. That's who his important ministry was to reclaim the, the nation of Israel, what they were called to be the light of the world. He sends his 12 disciples out, and then when they come back, they bring good report. And then later on, we see Jesus sends out the 70, have you, any of you ever wondered why Jesus sent out the 70 disciples? We understand the 12 for the 12 tribes of Israel, but the 70 correspond back to Genesis, chapter 10 and 11 Noah shaman and Shaham and Jacob Noah's three sons were sent out and they were divided up into 70 different nations. 6 (34m 0s): Go back to Genesis, check that out. So when Jesus sends out the 70, what is he doing? He's saying I'm not only the God of Israel. I am the God of the world. And I am reclaiming these nations for myself, showing that I am superior to that. Isn't it interesting that God's a nationalist. God believes in the rights of sovereign nations because sovereign nations hold power back from each other, help us keep back the evil at bay. You think of when we went in and invaded Iraq, how all of a sudden Iran came to power. When we took Saddam hue out of power, we didn't realize that all of a sudden Iraq or Iran would come to power within the region. 6 (34m 45s): There was a withholding of the powers there. God is a nationalist. He believes in nations, God design nations. So Jesus having sent out the 70 and seeing the result back when he says that I saw state and fall like a, like fall out of heaven. He now says ILOs chapter two, verse 13, through 15 of what Jesus did over all these supernatural entities was this. He said, and you being alive in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he has made alive together with him having forgiven you all trespasses having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. 6 (35m 27s): And he has taken it out of the way. Having nailed it to the cross. You know, that God is a God of justice. And he's a God who believes in the legal system. God has a legal system that he's worked out for the salvation of us. God can't extend out of that because God keeps within his own legal boundaries. He's there's handwritten requirements that were, that were against us. But after he did that, having nailed it to the cross, having disarmed the principalities and powers, he made a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them all. That's why Jesus is the answer. That's why Jesus is the answer. He is the name above every name. 6 (36m 7s): So that's where we leave off this week. But let's, let's remember where we left off last week. And that last week we talked about the diff or we left off with the difference between angels and demons. So let's get into that. Now, first of all, there's a number of different types or classes of angels. There's types, kinds hierarchy within the angels, angelic realm. There's the Sarah F in the chair of him. Those are normally found around the throne room of God. We have the arc angels who are these kind of warrior angels that are given much power, much authority. We have messenger angels, guardian angels, and then over 70 different types of angels are described in the book of revelation. There's a guy who recently wrote a book on 70 angels in the book of revelation, but we don't have time to jump into those guys. 6 (36m 53s): Those are, I'll leave those for further study for you. But what, where we were at last week was the sons of God. That statement the sons of God, the sons of God in the old Testament were direct creations of God, okay? God directly created the sons of God. So if I were gonna get onto a tangent, which I'm going to, because it relates to you and I today, the tangent is that in the old Testament, they're called the stone of God. What about now? What about in the new Testament? And that's where the genealogy is really interesting. Interesting. Both Matthew one and Luke three have different genealogies for Jesus. One follows the lineage of Joseph. 6 (37m 34s): One follows the lineage of Mary Luke's lineage follows Mary Luke and Luke chapter three, the genealogy, we see it all the way down from, from Mary's, from Mary. Her, her father is that we fall that all the way down. The son of the son of the son of, until we get to Adam, the son of God, why was Adam called a son of God? Because he didn't have a mother or father because God directly created Adam. So how does that relate to us today? Well, that's, that's, what's encouraging about the new Testament says second Corinthians five says, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 6 (38m 14s): The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. Or what about Romans eight versus 12 through 14? Paul says, therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh to live according to the flesh. But if you live according to the flesh, you will die. But if by the spirit you are put to death, the deeds of the body you will live for as many as are led by the spirit of God to these are called the sons of God. Isn't that interesting that we, by believing in who Jesus Christ has have been given the rights to be called the sons of God, John one also says, but as many received him to them, he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in his name. 6 (39m 4s): First John three, one behold, what manner of love the father's bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God. Therefore, the world does not know us because it did not know him. We, because of Jesus can be called the son or the child of God, because we've made a new creation in him. And that means that we are co-heirs with Christ, But we don't become angels. We don't become angels because we're a new creation. We're still humans, but we've been made in the image of God angels. When a person dies, they don't become an angel. Can I dispel that the Bible does not teach that? 6 (39m 45s): Okay. We will be humans. Humans will be humans. And these divine beans will continue to be that. So back to angels, supernatural, divine beans that dwell in a realm above ours in an unseen realm, you see, we have arch angels, messenger angels, guardian angels, angels unaware to us. In fact, the, the one thing that separates angels in the Bible is angels ability to manifest into our world and even disguise themselves as humans. Isn't that interesting angels are able to manifest into our world into our seen realm. 6 (40m 26s): Hebrews 13 chapter 13 verse two says, do not forget to entertain strangers for BISO, doing some, have unwittingly entertained angels. Isn't that interesting that person you bump into on the street, they might be an angel. He was just be careful. You might, you might be that might be an angel that because angels are able to manifest into our scene realm, and that didn't just happen. He's not just warning in, in Hebrews or, or message in Hebrews. It's also in the old Testament in Genesis 18, we see that yawe himself and two other divine beans met with Abraham in the flesh and they ate a meal together. 6 (41m 13s): These angels met with lot and ate Genesis 19 that says those two angels had to physically grab lot and pull him out. That means that angels were able to manifest into our existence into a physical substance and pull lot out of that city. And though even the townsmen of those of that city of Sodom and Gamora thought that those two angels were men it's because the angels are able to manifest Genesis chapter 32 says that Jacob arrested with a man in that text also described as Elohim or Hebrew for God twice. 6 (41m 54s): They had a physical struggle that left Jacob injured for the rest of his life. Matthew chapter four verse 11 says that angels came and ministered to Jesus after 40 day fast Jesus in the wilderness fasting, then, then net by Satan to, to try to deceive him, to try to make him worship God. Jesus was tired after that 40 days, how was he ministered to, is the question, was he just kissed on the cheek by a bunch of butterflies as they kind of like floated around these angels beans that were unseen? No, I think they brought him food. I think they brought him water. 6 (42m 33s): I think they brought him maybe even a pillow or a place to rest. They ministered to his physical bodily needs because they were able to manifest in acts chapter five. We see that angels can open doors. We also see angels appear in speak to shepherds in the field. By speaking, we know that sound waves came out of their vocal chords. So these angels manifested into our existence and were able to speak there by creating vocal, creating these sound waves, which those shepherds were able to hear angels hit the disciples or smacked Peter around to wake them up in acts chapter 12, physically able to manifest into our world. 6 (43m 19s): And it's interesting that the angels throughout the Bible always given in the masculine gender they're, they aren't sexless. There's a book that was written in 1830. It's called flatland by a, a, a minister who was also kind of dabbled in hobbies of, of science and, and physics and stuff. And he wrote this book called flatland, where there was a, he explained and, and brought, made to life a whole world that lived in two dimensions. So the squares or the triangles were female or males in the squares were females. And they, they, he shows how they interact until one day, a three dimensional, a higher being interrupted and, and, and got involved in that two dimensional world. 6 (44m 9s): And it blew the mind of the, the guy that was the, the triangle, how this extra dimensional bean could then intercept and add in. And I wonder how our three dimensional world can be intercepted in, in Why, why, why don't we see four or five or six or 10 dimensions? Like there's theories of science that show because angels are able to manifest. So what about the fallen angels that we talked about last week and the really fallen angels? Let's talk about that. Both Peter and Jews say that both angels who rebelled at the time of no were cast away until the judgment, those angels, that specifically rebelled were cast away. 6 (44m 55s): So what that does is that leaves us two groups of fallen angels. There are those that are bound in chains or locked in tarter. They left their natural habitation, had sex with women, thereby breaking what God had designed them to do. And those, those ones are bound in chains, but there's also a group of angels of fallen angels that are still free to roam. They're the ones that rebelled with Satan, but didn't leave their natural habitations. So what does that mean? It means that some angels, some fallen angels are still at work in our world today. Galatians one eight is the warning, but even if we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you, then we have preached to you, let him be a cursed. 6 (45m 43s): Don't listen to it. Don't listen to another gospel. Even if it's some supernatural being, if it, whatever it is, don't listen to it. Let him be a cursed. Ephesians six reminds us of what we're struggling with or what we're wrestling with for, we do not wrestle against the flesh and blood, but against principalities, against the powers against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heaven, places, those are different boundaries in hierarchy. What about in our history? What about our world's history? Have you ever seen or heard of fallen angels come in contact with humans? 6 (46m 22s): What about the prophet Muhammad? The so-called prophet Muhammad 40 years old, he's in a cave near Mecca and he's, he's, he's praying to his God. And in that cave appears what he called the angel Gabriel. Now we know the state that they're a liar, so they can say who they want to be. But this angel grabbed Mohamed and threw him up against the wall and said, he said, read or recite. And Mohamed said, I, I, I don't, I don't know how to read. He was illiterate. He could not read. And he slumped down and the angel, then again, picked him up and threw him against the cave once again, and said, read or recite Muhammad slumped down again. 6 (47m 4s): Once again, after holding them there for a while, thought thinking that he's gonna lose his life. He let him down again. Muhammad was like, I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't do that. I, I, I don't have that skill. And the angel once again, the third time threw him up against the cave wall until Muhammad thought he was gonna die and said, read a sight. And then finally let him go. He went back to his home, back to his wife and hid under a blanket, not knowing what he had just dealt with. And that's how he come, how we get the message of Islam, an angel throwing him up against the wall. Or what about Joseph Smith and his dealing with angel Morona this angel that, that then gave him special golden spectacles and a golden tablet and said, there, this read Christianity is not correct. 6 (47m 50s): This is the true religion. And, and, and this is what you're gonna do. That was the angel moron fallen angels involved in our world. Today. You see Dr. David Jeremiah said this. He said, fallen angels don't prevent us from worshiping. Instead they changed the object of our worship. Something other than the almighty God Prevent us. They don't prevent us from worshiping. They just change the object of our worship. That is why it's my personal opinion. I brought this up last week of what UFO are. I believe these are fallen angels distracting us, preparing us in the world for when Christians suddenly disappear. 6 (48m 33s): And I'm talking about the great rescue, the great snatching, where, where we will be caught up in a moment where those who believe in Jesus Christ will be snatched up and, and just gone just off the face of the world. How is the world gonna explain that? Well, they're gonna, they're gonna use these UFO site and these fallen angels that, oh, well, the angels had to take them. New age has a belief that the world will not enter into full piece until those people who resist that are taken away that's within the new age. Belief says my belief that these things are conditionings for what to come. There's a law of prophecy that says future events, cast their shadows ahead of them. 6 (49m 18s): Future events, cast their shadows ahead of them. Turn on discovery plus, and you'll find a whole channel loaded with the paranormal, Go to the history channel. You'll have all this, all this supernatural things there. It's becoming normalized in our culture. So if angels and fallen angels are able to in manifest into our world today, what about demons? What's up with them. And this is what Jesus taught in Matthew chapter 12. Jesus taught that demons are disembodied spirits. 6 (49m 58s): Demons are disembodied spirits. Matthew chapter 12, verse 43 to 45. Jesus said when an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest and find none. Then he says, I will return to my house from which I came, which he, and when he comes, he will find it empty, swept, and put an order. Then he goes and takes it with him, seven other spirits, more wicked than himself. And they enter and they dwell there. And their last state that man is worse than the first shall. So it shall be with this wicked generation. Notice the language that Jesus has using there says unclean spirit goes out of a man out of a man. 6 (50m 42s): And then later on, he says that the Demonn says I will return to my house. That because the Demonn wants to find a place of rest of Possession as a son of missionaries to a third world country. I, I remember hearing some of these stories very early on about how my parents would once in a while, once in a while, come across these people. And, and, and they would try to exercise the demons because this little girl, young age would from her would come the weirdest and most guttural noises and sounds and speak in, in, in horrible things. And that those demons would try to hurt that girl. 6 (51m 22s): And so my parents spent time casting out these demons. I heard that from a young age. So what is going on? Well, Jesus spoke that these demons are disembodied spirits. They seek to find a body and there is levels of wickedness within the demons themselves. You see that demon didn't like whether it left or whether, if it was, it was cast out of that, that man, that person, that body, that it was in, it says, well, I'm gonna return there. And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept and put order. And he says, oh, I'm gonna take seven more, more wicked than myself so that we won't be cast out again Out of a man. 6 (52m 6s): I'm gonna return to my house. So where do these disembodied spirits come from? Be the question we should ask, where do these disembodied spirits come from? And that goes back to Genesis chapter six, Genesis chapter six, verse four says there were giants on the earth in those days. And also afterwards, we'll, we'll leave that. We'll, we'll set that aside for another time. Another discussion there were giants on the earth in those days when the sons of God came into the daughters of wi of men and they bore children to them. And these were the mighty men who were of old men of renowned that were giants is the Hebrew word for Nephem. 6 (52m 50s): There were superior beings because they were half angel and half man that Hebrew word ne ne is, is a compound word it's it's Neal, which means fallen one. See, this was another reason for the flood because the spiritual wickedness that had intercepted the human race, the human seed human DNA, and that the promised Messiah of Genesis chapter three verse 15, would, could not therefore have Satan seed within it. It had to be a pure strain. That's why the Jews were so interested in their genetics, in their lineage, their family lineage. 6 (53m 33s): And as weird as that sounds to us, the technology today is increased in increasing. We have this technology called the CRISPR technology, gene splicing technology, where we're able to split apart the human DNA and there, and put into DNA, other blocks of DNA. Now, that sounds good. When you think of how, how it could be used for cancer, if there's a, if, if, if a person has a, a, a genetic disposition that, that, that caused them to have cancer, well, you think well going in and removing that chunk of DNA, that causes, that could be a good thing, but it also can be used. Very nefariously. 6 (54m 14s): China has openly said that they're working on Chimera, they're working on and they have worked on, and they have created a live pig monkey hybrid. Please fact, checking on that because they eventually want to make super soldiers. They want to take human DNA and mix it with pig DNA. So you get these transhuman soldiers. They're working on that. As all comes down to transhumanism that we can become something greater than God. We, we could become a hybridized at the, at the fall at that second divine fall, where the sons of God came into the Dodge as a woman, they were trying to make their man and their own image. 6 (55m 3s): And that is now continues to gate today with the technology that we're at. So that's why Noah was chosen. Noah was found perfect in his generations, in his Tolo dot because he hadn't his genes hadn't been mixed. And it's interesting to look back at the mythology from all around the world, every culture, even here in the native Americans here in the us claim to have some half human half man demigod and every culture around in the, in the world also has a global flood story with one family surviving it, where these lowercase G God's coming into human women and creating hybrids. 6 (55m 48s): Superpowered beans, Gilgamesh, Hercules, a Achilles, all those speak to this demigods. But what happened to those? NELI those superpowered those half human half spiritual beans. What happened to them? Well, that's why Genesis six over and over again, says that God wiped everything out. A global worldwide flood. They all died. Jesus talks over and over again about that flood and how it wiped everything out. You see the understanding is that the, the Def the Neum, their bodies died, but their spirits lived on their bodies died in the, in the flood, but yet their spirit has been left here to Rome first or second Corinthians five, one through eight. 6 (56m 44s): Talk about how our bodies are home to our spirit. That's why when people have, or claim to have these near death experiences where their spirit is detached from their body, it's because their bodies are home to their spirit. I'm told by another pastor. And I have not been able to verify this. So don't take this as, as, as word, but I'm told by another pastor that the common name for demons at the time of Christ was Timon Neal or dead NELI. So if you can find that source that let me know, please, but that's what I'm told. And it seems to be that this was the accepted view during the time of Jesus, that demons are the disembodied spirits of the neph limb that were killed during the flood. 6 (57m 28s): And they look once again to inhabit an animal, an object, or a body. They want to have a body again, which makes sense with Jesus, talking about them being disembodied spirits. So a couple facts on demons, demons. Also, like we said, it would vary in wickedness and Inkin remember Jesus and Matthew 12 says seven other spirits, more wicked than himself. And then later on in mark, chapter nine versus 28 through 29, his disciples could not cast this certain Demonn out. And when they had Jesus privately, they said, when they'd come into the house to discipled, asked him privately, why could we not cast it out? 6 (58m 10s): So Jesus said to them, this kind can only come out by nothing but prayer and fasting, Prayer and fasting is what, how that kind would come out. You see demons seek to oppress and enticed people to sin. And if possible, to possess a person, which is the, the work that's still going on today, why? Because they want to get a body again. They want to use human vocal chords to speak. If you look at mark chapter five in Luke, chapter eight, we've we, you hear of the, the Legion, the man who had many who was naked, who was wandering the two living in the tombs. 6 (58m 55s): Jesus comes and simply cast them out. But he, but he says, he, he, he allowed those spirits to talk to. I don't know why, but he allowed those spirits to then say, Hey, can we go on those pigs? And those pigs ran off the cliff. And once again, those pigs died. Does that remind you of the flood story? 7 (59m 11s): There's 6 (59m 12s): A connection. The good news is a Christian. A Christian cannot be possessed by a, when they're filled with the holy spirit. That's pretty good. Come on. More amens on that one. Thank you. First Corinthians six says this, or do you not know that your body is the temple of the holy spirit? Who is in you, whom you have from God. And you're not your own. You are bought with a price, therefore, therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are gods. Your body is the temple of the holy spirit. You've been made a new creation. You cannot be filled or possessed by a Demonn. 6 (59m 55s): Now demons have many different kind of names. I encourage you to, to look up unclean spirits, familiar spirits Diablos or devils. We don't have enough time to go into that today, but not everything can come down to well, the devil made me do it. Okay. We battle against a world system against our, our own flesh. And we battle against the devil, the world, the flesh, and the devil, but what are with specific ways to open the doors, to demonic oppression, or for those who are not believers possession, let's talk about those first one would be worship of other gods or idols, worship of other gods or idols. 6 (1h 0m 37s): Deuteronomy 32 says when they provoked him to jealousy with their foreign gods with abomination, they provoked him to anger. They sacrificed to demons and not to God, to God's. They did not know, knew God's new arrivals that their fathers did not fear. That's backed up in, in the new Testament with first Corinthians 10, when he says in verse 19 and 22, what, what am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything rather that the one things at which Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. And I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. 6 (1h 1m 19s): That is that's. Yeah. You cannot partake at the Lord's table and the table of the demons, or, or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he see by worshiping things made out of hand, the Demonn can then occupy that object. They, they were what they thought were, they were just worshiping just statues or idols. They were actually sacrificing and worshiping demons. So why you gotta be careful when you, when you, when you move into your house or if your front lawn has a Buddhist statue, a Hindu statue, get that thing outta there. 6 (1h 2m 2s): That's no right in a Christian's life. And even then we still need to be careful of what we bring into our houses. My wife loves the thrift store, the thrift shop. And she brought maybe, maybe she, yeah, I didn't ask her if I could tell the story, but she brought home this plate and it was really pretty, it was a decorative plate. It was kind of made outta her bra and it had some really cool inscriptions and it, but it had this, this kind of almost writing that went around it. And I, and I, I wasn't sure about it. And we had it in a, a house for a number of months. And, and I remember just, just, I never, I just never felt good about that thing. Never. 6 (1h 2m 42s): I just, just felt wrong. And during that time, my, my wife was having dreams and even kind of just strange stuff going on in the house. And I was like, honey, I think we gotta get rid of that plaque. Oh, but it looks so nice. No, it just needs to go. So she ended up throwing away and I never followed up with it a few months ago passed. So a couple months later, a few months ago, she's like, Hey, you remember that plate? And I was like, yeah. She's like, you know, all those things that was like experiencing, they went away. When I got rid of that plate, I was like, weird Worship of other gods right now. We never worshiped the plate. We did not do that. Okay. What about involvement in the cultism oui boards, TA cards, Palm readers, talking with the spirits of the dead witchcraft, spells movies shows even the new thing right now, crystals. 6 (1h 3m 40s): These all have their foundation in the cultism. You can all bring those all the way back to the Babylon, to Nimrod. These are things that we need to be careful of, and we think we should not have any involvement. They open the door to demonic oppression or possession D on the 18 says there shall not be found among you. Anyone who makes his son or daughter pass through the fire or one who practices witchcraft or so there, or one who interprets omens or a sor or one who conjures up spirits or spells, or a medium or a spiritist or one who calls up the dead for all these things are an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations, the Lord, your God drives them out from you before you, these things are, do not belong in the life of a, of a, of a, a Christian. 6 (1h 4m 28s): What about alcohol? Especially too much of it. Where can you find alcohol in a store? You can find it in the spirits section Ephesians five, eight says, or five 18 says, and do not be drunk with wine, which is dissipation, but be filled with the spirit. What is that saying? That you're gonna be either filled with the spirit or you're gonna be filled with the holy spirit, or you're gonna be filled with this unclean spirit spirit. Be careful with that. Jesus warns about worshiping. Mamon what we think of money and our wealth and holding onto it too tight, trusting too much in it is the way we open up ourselves to, to the demonic realm. 6 (1h 5m 17s): What about sexual sin and perversion? We open the door to of our life, to these unclean spirits. We give them footholds in our lives. They are filthy and perverted first Corinthians six says this, please sexual sexual immorality. Every sin that man does outside his body is outside of his body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body, his own, the, the temple of the holy spirit and that word for I immorality, or is fornication. And the Greek word is pornea sexual sin. 6 (1h 6m 2s): It's perversion I'm told the average age currently is between six and eight years old. That if boy sees his first pornography, Six to eight years old parents be very careful with the technology that you allow your kids to have six to eight, open that door into the, the demonic realm where clean UN unclean spirits filthy perverted. The Bible also says that sexuality is anything outside the boundary of one man. 6 (1h 6m 45s): And one woman in a married relationship. Hebrews 13, four says the marriage bed is undefiled, but anything outside that is defiled. That includes transgenderism. Beastiality homosexuality, adultery pornography. All of that is outside the grounds of biblical marriage. And that does not belong in the life of a Christian in college. As I was dealing with my own struggle in this area, remember there was a night when my, my college roommate wasn't home and I woke up in the middle of the night with temptations from a deep sleep. 6 (1h 7m 27s): I didn't share this first service woke up from a deep sleep and there was next to my bed, a bean. And it wasn't there. There wasn't, it was, it was real enough to be not physically there, but there was a spiritual being in my room that was hovering over me. And I couldn't get a word out. I was like, pinned, locked my room. All I knew, I knew that I needed to say the name of Jesus. I knew that I needed to cast that thing out. That the thing had no right to be in my room. And I struggled for a minute. So to try to finally get the words out and that finally, that, that Jesus, that unlocked it in this beam that had a faith that was standing over me. 6 (1h 8m 10s): I somehow molded and just walked away out into where into, into the, where my roommate's room was about 15 minutes later when I got the courage and finally jumped outta bed, I ran and I made sure all the doors and the windows shut and sure enough, everything was locked up. There was a demonic bean in my room that was trying to get me to thin. What about drugs as an opening to the demonic realm? We sometimes think of these things as harmless. Just a, just things that we do once in a while, but drugs in revelation 19 night, sorry, revelation nine verse 20 through 21. 6 (1h 8m 52s): But the rest of mankind who are not killed by those plagues did not repent from the works that the hands that they should not worship demons and idols of silvers, brass stone and wood, which can either see, nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent from the murders of the, or their Soaries or their sexual immorality or their Thefts. That that word forestries is an interesting word because in the Greek, that word forestries actually is the word PIAA PIAA. And that in the context of the new Testament is mind altering substance for a long, long time throughout the century's pagans have used in their worship ceremonies, different plants and different medicinal things to get high. 6 (1h 9m 37s): And once they're high, they're in the altered state, they're in a higher state and they're able to communicate with outside extra, extra dimensional beans. You're giving your Liberty for these demons to enter your life. As you do these mind altering drugs, I'm gonna show a clip. I promised it last week of VI of Joe Rogan. He's a, a world famous podcaster, one of the most listened to podcasters, and he's gonna talk about his experience using a drug, but this, and using this drug, he enters into something that he feels is more real than real. 6 (1h 10m 21s): And from that place where he feels more real than real, he he's getting outside wisdom. So let me just play this clip and we'll go from there. 9 (1h 10m 29s): I have one way of looking at it that I always describe. This is what I say to people. I say, if there was a thing that you could do like a door you could go through and that door would take you to another dimension where you would communicate with Some entity beyond your wildest imagination, that's constantly visually changing and communicating with you telepathically and knows everything about you sees all your, and is trying to impart some ideas that will help you with your life. Cuz it's a God-like experience like you're experiencing like some sort of Uber, powerful entity, some more Uber, intelligent entity, something beyond any, if we just looked at humans and thought of the hu the evolution of human one day, we'll get to this. 9 (1h 11m 19s): We're not gonna get to that. That is a different, it seems like it's so beyond the body. It's so beyond the, the human monkey body, this is what I tell people. I go, if I could give, if you would open a door and you would go there and you'd have that experience, would you do it? And most people are like, yes, I would do it. If I gave you a drug that gave you that experience, you still have the exact same experience. It's the exact same experience. You've just decided it's not real. And you've decided it's not real because you're putting into this category of hallucination. Like what does that even mean? What does that even mean? You're actually having that experience. I don't know what it is 6 (1h 12m 1s): There. Joe Rogan is talking about how he's opening up in a door and that goes back to Genesis, right? Kane soon is knocking at your door and it seeks to master you here, here, Joe Rogan is staying. I, I I'm, welcomely opening this door into my life with this wisdom from outside to come in and give me insight. He's opened himself to demons because demons, if they are the bodies of the distant bodies, spirits of the LAN, they have been around for thousands of years and they've witnessed, they know Joe Rogan's tendencies. They know each of our tendencies, they know what we're our proclivities are. They know what we're what sins draw us. 6 (1h 12m 42s): Everyone has different sins that they're drawn to. And so these demons he's through this drug, he's allowing becomes more real than real. He's allowing these things to speak into 'em He's wrestling with that. Is that more something that's more real than real is because we are being conditioned in this culture into this day and age, that that the veil is getting thinner. The normalization of this supernatural is a trick of Satan to, to steal line from the of great movie, the usual suspects. He says that the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was trying to convince the world he didn't exist. But one of the other tricks, the devil pulls is just to get you okay with the humdrum of life like CS Lewis, the screw tape letter, just, just let them kind of do their thing. 6 (1h 13m 28s): They're okay. Because as we watch more and more and more and more come down the forest, the UFOs, the movies, the TVs, the news, the cold we're gonna be, be getting this. So we need to get back to our supernatural biblical worldview because the world needs it. The Bible has the answers. So how do we do that? Well, one, we, Jesus, Jesus, the name of every other name. We claim the name of Jesus. If you have not claimed the name of Jesus, if you have not become a follower of Jesus Christ, you need to do that today because either Jesus will influence you or these, the unseen realm will be influencing. 6 (1h 14m 12s): You Need to remove that veil from our eyes, realize that there's an unseen realm around us and that we rest will not against flesh and blood. Then for some of us, we need to close the door to the demonic strongholds in our life, drugs, alcohol pornography, those things, those doors need to be closed in the name of Jesus Christ. And those spirits cast out. We need to pick up our spiritual armor and the weapons that God has given us. He's given us directions of how to fight how and to do that. So let's do that. Go to Ephesians six, to look up your spiritual armor that God has given you. And we need to fight by getting on our knees in prayer fast. 6 (1h 14m 53s): When you, when God calls you to fast, pick up your Bible, we need to pray and speak out against our, against the demonic strongholds in our community. Our families in our country, these things are real pray. Jesus, we'd lift up your name higher than any other name, your God in the flesh who came to save sinful man to save us. So we bow our knee to you. God, cuz you've paid the price. 6 (1h 15m 41s): Jesus, we need you. We need you to fight this fight. We need to be equipped for the battle, but help us to dig into what you have for us. For Jesus. Then we pray. 2 (1h 15m 56s): Amen. 0 (1h 15m 59s): Church will you stand as we worship. So make me in offering, make me whatever you want me to be. God, I came here with nothing but all you have given me, Jesus, bring new wine out. Me, me, your 2 (1h 16m 42s): Me 0 (1h 16m 42s): In with nothing 2 (1h 16m 55s): At 0 (1h 16m 55s): All you have given me. Jesus, bring new wine outta these Jesus spring, new wine Jesus, where the is your freedom? Lay down old. 6 (1h 18m 18s): See the fight got brought to me. It became really personal. We bought an old house as a, it's a house that was built in 1934 in Santa Maria. And after moving in and we started, there's strange things happening. My daughter was saying, dad, I'm really afraid at I it's like I see something in the corner of my room. I'm like, that's what do you see, honey? And she described a Grotes old woman in the corner of her room. And I was like, well that's that's really okay. Well let's pray. Let me give you the tools. I use the name of Jesus. If you, if you sense something in your room, use the name of Jesus. Say Jesus, help me, Jesus be here. And that thing will have to flee well, talking to then after that, talking to my next door neighbor, who's a Christian as well. 6 (1h 19m 3s): He's like, I've seen that exact same old Haggard woman as well. I'll be alone in the house and I'll see her peek out, out the corner of the room and then another neighbor. And then my wife all reported three different people, independent of each other, knock talking all reported to seeing this, this abarition. And so we prayed and they, I gave them the tools I gave them that fight guard brought to me. So I said, no, there's either. I'm either run from this or I'm gonna fight it. And we chose to fight and we fight in the name of Jesus Christ. We fight in the power of God, but there is a power. There is Power in the name of Jesus Christ. Come forward. If you need prayer, come forward and deal with that. 6 (1h 19m 46s): Come forward to submit yourself and, and to yield to Jesus today. Thank you. 0 (1h 20m 0s): So make me whatever you want me to be. God, I came here with nothing, but all you have given me Jesus new one out of me. 3 (1h 20m 27s): One more time. 0 (1h 20m 30s): Me your thank me an me. Want to God, nothing at all you have given me, Jesus, bring new wine outta me. Jesus, bring new wine outta me. Jesus, bring new wine out of me. 3 (1h 21m 13s): God, that is our prayer this morning. But the old would fall away that we would step into the new God that you would bring new wine out of our lives, that any bad habits or mindsets, but that, that those would end today. God, thank you for your spirit. Thank you for your power. Thank you for your love in your precious name. We pray. Amen.

• What must I believe to follow Jesus? • Your life moves in the direction of your strongest beliefs • Jesus was sent by God and the proof is his miracles, wonders and signs. • Acts 2:23: 23 This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. • 23 This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge… • Matthew 16:21 - 21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. • …and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. • It was God's plan for Jesus to die on the cross. • Romans 3:25-26: 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. • 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood… • …sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood. • Leviticus 16 - 13 He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the smoke of the incense will conceal the atonement cover above the tablets of the covenant law, so that he will not die. 14 He is to take some of the bull's blood and with his finger sprinkle it on the front of the atonement cover; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the atonement cover. • Jesus is the one perfect sacrifice that covers our sins • How high, how deep, how wide, how long, how great is Your love • …to be received by faith. • He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished… • …he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Starter: Please share about a time you forgave someone. Did it cost you anything? Dig Deeper: 1. Read Acts 2:23 2. It was God's plan all along for Jesus to die for the sins of the world. How do you think Jesus felt, carrying that knowledge? 3. Where did Peter get the courage to confront the crowd when he asserted “You, with the help of lawless men, put Jesus to death by nailing him to a cross?” 4. Read Romans 3:25-26. 5. The word atonement means to “cover,” from a root that means “to be gracious,” or “to be cheerful.” In your opinion, how would a person feel if they knew their sins had been covered by Jesus? How would they live differently? 6. People often struggle to reconcile God's love and his justice. Paul does not separate them. How would you explain how God's love connects to his mercy? 7. Both Peter and Paul bring out the idea that faith is required to access the atoning power of Jesus' death. What does it mean to you to have faith or to live the faith of Jesus' atoning death for our sins?

John's guest is the legendary Peter Erskine! Peter and John discussed Peter's MD Legends Series Book (available now!), and numerous other topics including vintage drums, selecting ride cymbals, home recording and much more. They also talked about Peter's upcoming induction into the PAS (Percussive Arts Society) Hall Of Fame in November of 2022. Both Peter and John shared some funny stories, and Peter offered some invaluable drumming insights as only a true Legend like he can.In this Video:Tama Drums → https://imp.i114863.net/NKD70q

John's guest is the legendary Peter Erskine! Peter and John discussed Peter's MD Legends Series Book (available now!), and numerous other topics including vintage drums, selecting ride cymbals, home recording and much more. They also talked about Peter's upcoming induction into the PAS (Percussive Arts Society) Hall Of Fame in November of 2022. Both Peter and John shared some funny stories, and Peter offered some invaluable drumming insights as only a true Legend like he can.

In this first episode of the newly launched “Spark Influence” Podcast with hosts Peter and Misty Phillip, the hosts dive straight in with brief introductions. Peter is a technology expert, strategic adviser, and thought leadership. Misty is the author of the Award-Winning #1 Amazon Best-Selling Bible Study The Struggle is Real, But So is God, and also hosts the By His Grace podcast, ranked in the top 1.5 percent of podcasts globally. They discuss their past and present business experiences and how they collectively collaborate daily as Co-Founders of Spark Media. They share how the Lord utilized everything and redeemed everything they did wrong for good in their lives. Misty and Peter strive to share authenticity and vulnerability with their listeners and are dedicated to sharing their unique insight and understanding of marriage, family, business, and faith. Here's what you need to know about the hosts. Peter and Misty are a husband and wife duo who have successfully raised three adult children, run a faith-based business, and seek to inspire and equip individuals to share the gospel via technological communication. Peter and Misty's heart for people and their reliance upon God to provide a firm foundation for their lives are central to their core message. Both Peter and Misty bring unique experiences to the table that shape their stories and give God glory. In this powerful conversation, listeners know the hosts, their hearts, and their views on family, work, leadership, and faith. Thank you to Spark Influence partners Spark Media Network . This podcast is available on Apple, Google, Spotify, the Spark Media Network, and the KHCB Upliftd Radio Stream. Thank you for listening to the Spark Influence podcast. If you like what you heard on this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode.

Take a listen to the latest episode of The R - House with Peter Hunt as your host! During this episode, Peter talks with Tom Wiley, the President, and Publisher of the Buffalo News. Both Peter and Tom chat about The Buffalo News, how it has changed, the history of the news, and the building itself! 

Mailing lists – on the face of it, not the most exciting of topics but a crucial part any working, creative business and a fantastic way to stay in touch with an already keen and receptive audience. Both Peter and Tom have developed a newfound love for their mailing lists during the past couple of years and in this episode they talk about what they are, how to collect and manage one, why they can be such an amazing tool and also some of the nitty gritty of being responsible for other people's information.Mailing lists can be a wonderful tool for any creator. You have a receptive audience of previous buyers or students, interested parties, right at your finger tips and often they will be genuinely interested, if not actually excited to hear from you!  Not only can mailing lists be used to directly sell, you can also use them to help remind people you still exist and they are a great way to take care of those who have supported you and your career so far. For the full show notes, please visit www.askanartistpodcast.com

On this episode of the Trueface podcast, Robby is with Peter & Amanda Voorhees with Vic and Monique Woodward. Peter and Amanda recently wrapped up a Trueface Journey Group with their leaders, Vic and Monique Woodward. A Trueface Journey is a 9-month group of men, women, or couples journeying together to encounter faith in a way that's more significant than what they're currently experiencing.Amanda and Peter have been married since 2009. They have three great kids, daughter Harper, and twin boys Emmett  & Colton. Peter is a High School Social Studies teacher and track coach. Amanda is an Occupational Therapist that works in schools too. They are both active in their community, volunteering with civic groups, PTA, Co-op Preschool, youth sports, Young Life, and their local church. Both Peter and Amanda love to recreate in the PNW which they call home. If you would like to learn more about starting your own Trueface Journey group, visit https://www.trueface.org/truefacejourney or email monique@trueface.org.Want to know when we release episodes? Sign up here: https://www.trueface.org/podcast-subscribe.Support the show

There's a reason Zipp is in Indianapolis – this midwestern city is a hotbed of motorsports and central to the age-old human quest for speed.
 
In this special episode of the Zipp Speed Podcast, we take of look at the fascinating century old ties between bicycle racing and motorsports. That linage eventually would lead to the creation of Zipp Speed Weaponry more than 30 years ago, and still plays a role in Zipp's speed innovations today. SRAM's home of Chicago also played a central role in popularizing bicycles, as we will see.
 
More than a century ago, bicycles were the fastest thing on wheels. Cars and motorcycles were trying to catch up.
 
Consider this passage from the definitive book on the history of American bicycle racing, Hearts of Lions …
 
US Census data indicates that America at the start of the twentieth century had 10 million bicycles, compared with 18 million horses and mules, and some 8,000 motorcars. One of the largest bicycle-making centers was a neighborhood in Chicago called Cycle Row. For nearly two miles along Jackson Boulevard, Cycle Row was lined with cycling-related stores and shops, most turning out bicycles with ready-made parts and fittings for shipments around the country.
 
It may be hard to realize today, but bicycle racing is one of the country's oldest sports. The first recorded competitions took place in Boston's Beacon Park on May 24, 1878—two years after the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs was formed, three years after the first running of the Kentucky Derby, and thirteen years before basketball was invented…
 
We're pleased to welcome noted cycling historian Peter Nye, author of Hearts of Lions: The History of American Bicycle Racing, to the Zipp Speed Podcast. Both Peter and Zipp content manager Dan Lee are board members of the US Bicycling Hall of Fame, with its museum in Davis, California. We think you'll find their conversation about cycling's historic links to motorsports fascinating.
 
Please stick around for this episode, as Peter and Dan discuss more about the history of cycling, including the little known story of William F. Ivy, an African America who in 1909 finished 27th in Paris-Roubaix—he is the first American to ride the Queen of the Classis, and his result was the best for an American until Greg LeMond was fourth in the 1985 Paris-Roubaix.
 
Peter also tells his fascinating journey into bike racing in the early 1960s and how cycling helped sustain him during the toughest times of his life. Photo of Albert Champion on Orient tricycle holding a French engine, state of the art in 1900. Credit BuckPeacock. From The Fast Times of Albert Champion: From Record-Setting Racer to Dashing Tycoon, An Untold Story of Speed, Success, and Betrayal by Peter Nye (Prometheus Books, 2014.)

Slideshow for this message is available Introduction John 20-21 Well we are in John chapter 20 where we come to the purpose statement of the book of John which we have referenced several dozen times in our preaching. The whole book of John was written for this reason. Now in order to accomplish this purpose, John tells us that he has been incredibly selective in his writing. To give you an indicator of just how selective he has been, if you notice the time markers in the book of John, there are only 21 or maybe 22 days of the life of Jesus which have been recorded. That's not a biography. The gospels are not biographies. He's chosen specific miracles, specific events so that in reading those events, they might persuade you to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. Now here's what's interesting. The last event chosen, the climatic one, the one he chooses to really drive home the point that Jesus is the Christ, is this story about Thomas who struggles with doubt. Jesus looks at Thomas and says, “Do not disbelieve but believe.” Now I want to really press into this concept of doubt vs belief because not only does the book of John culminate with the call to believe, but the entire Christian faith culminates in it. The way you become a Christian is by believing! You are to believe the claim that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God. If you believe that, then you believe all the claims that go along with that and in believing that you are saved. Maybe you are walking in here today with doubt. You are not so sure. Maybe you feel like Thomas. You need more evidence. You won't believe unless certain conditions are met. Maybe you need to see a miracle. Maybe you don't understand the way science and the Bible go together. Maybe you don't understand how God and evil go together. You have some barrier in your mind that creates doubt. That's okay. Let's talk about that for a moment. What is doubt? Doubt can be defined as a mental or emotional state in which the mind remains suspended between two contradictory propositions. In Thomas case and maybe in in your case there are two claims which logically can't both be true. The Bible's claim: Jesus rose from the dead. The World's claim: Jesus is still in the grave. Which is it? The Christian claim is that Jesus rose from the dead. But experience tells you that dead people stay dead. Maybe for you that creates doubt. Doubt is not bad. To question the reality that someone rose from the dead is an intelligent doubt. We aren't supposed to believe everything we hear. You've got to give me good reasons why I am supposed to believe something that seems very unbelievable. If I'm going to move from doubt to belief, or even from the position of belief to greater belief, you have to give me the freedom to continue asking questions until I find some reliable grounds to satisfy my reason. Without healthy doubt there can be no healthy faith. So given this understanding of belief, we might think that what Thomas is lacking is good reasons. We might think that what he is lacking is evidence? But if we look carefully at the text, that is not the problem. Jesus kindly - but most definitely - rebukes Thomas in this passage. If it was reasonable for Thomas to ask for evidence, then it would be unreasonable for Jesus to rebuke. But Jesus rebuked. You should have believed without the evidence. And what that tells us is that what was preventing Thomas from believing the reports of the disciples was not lack of evidence. He claimed what he needed was evidence. But that's not what he needed. And that's actually the case for millions and millions of people today. Millions of people think that what they need in order to become a follower of Jesus is more evidence. But just like Thomas, that's not what they need. Let's find out what Thomas needed, and maybe in so doing, we will find out what you need to become a follower of Jesus Christ or what you need to strengthen a weak faith in Jesus Christ. Now the other disciples had seen the risen Lord and they were just ecstatic. They were out of their minds with excitement. But their testimony was unconvincing in his ears. Thomas says to them, “Okay, so apparently you were all in a locked room and you all saw something that ‘resembled' Jesus. Yeah, okay, all your testimonies agree. I'm sure you all saw something, but it wasn't Jesus. That sounds more like a ghost story than like a Jesus sighting.” And so Thomas obstinately demands evidence. What I need is more evidence. I won't believe until…. and then he lays down his conditions. Now what caused Thomas to doubt and demand this evidence? Some have conjectured that it was something in his disposition. Thomas shows up in two other places in the gospels and in both places he seems to suffers from an Eore complex, a glass half empty complex. He seems to bear the burden of a pessimist.Maybe he doubts because of disposition. But maybe he doubts because of experience. In some translations, Thomas has the nickname dydimous. That's just an untranslated Greek word. You can hear in it our English word diddo from. The ESV translation just translate the word dydimous which means twin. Thomas had a twin brother and I'm guessing an identical twin so perhaps Thomas had a unique perspective on mistaken identity. His entire life, he'd been mistaken for his brother. No I'm not Mark. Mark has the mole. I don't have the mole. I'm Thomas. He's been on the receiving end of mistaken identity his whole life. He knows just how possible this is. So Thomas, pulling from his pessimism, pulling from his experience with mistaken identity says, “I'm sure this guy reminded you of Jesus but there's no way it could be Jesus. I saw him die. I saw his stiffening, bloated body come off that tree. There's no way I'll believe it.” But seeing the insistence in the other disciples he says, “Okay, actually, there's one way. There's one identification marker that nobody could fake and that's the wounds. Unless I place my finger in the holes, I won't believe.” Thomas is the skeptic. Thomas is the doubter. We call him doubting Thomas. Now I always feel so bad for the guy. He gets this label slapped on him for the rest of history. You know if Thomas had a NT you know what verse I think would be highlighted, underlined and bolded in his Bible? Mark 16. Mark 16 is the parallel account of Jesus' first appearance to the disciples when Thomas was at away. Mark 16 Thomas is like, why did I get the label? Every single one of us doubted and because I happen to not be in the room, because I volunteered to go to Costco and buy groceries, I get the label, “Doubting Thomas.” Well, Thomas, it's a good point. We ought to have doubting Peter, doubting John, doubting Simon, doubting Andrew. They all did the same exact thing. They are all equally guilty. Now let's just push on this character assessment. What's wrong with a guy that wants a little proof? It's not like its exactly common for crucified people who have been embalmed in 70 pounds of spices and wrapped in linen clothes placed into sealed, guarded tombs to just get up and walk away. That's not exactly usual. Not only is it unusual, but that's kind of an important detail to nail down. It pretty much has a major impact on how these disciples are going to live out the rest of his life. What's wrong with a guy that wants a little proof? Now you can create a ton of clarity to these concepts if you add some adjectives. So instead of just talking about belief and doubt, let's talk in terms of healthy belief, unhealthy belief, healthy doubt and unhealthy doubt. And in order to see this clearly, let's look at this little diagram. So we will start in the upper left. A healthy belief is a belief that you hold for good reason. So for example, “I believe summer is coming.” You have scientific backing for that claim. You have experience to back the claim. You have history to back the claim. You are believing the right thing. An unhealthy belief is a belief that you hold for no good reason. This is the person who believes everything. They are gullible. So for example, “I believe in Santa Claus.” If you are an adult and you still believe that, you might have reasons, but I hate to break it to you, but you have no good ones. A healthy doubt is a doubt that is felt for good reasons. So it's good of you to doubt the reality of Santa Claus. You disbelieve the right things. An unhealthy doubt would be to question the reality of summer. You have no good reason to doubt that summer is coming. This is the person who disbelieves everything. Now where does Thomas fit? And for that matter, where do all the disciples fit? They are living in unhealthy doubt. Why? Because even though the claim is gigantic, “Jesus rose from the dead!” The reasons to believe that claim are also gigantic. Let me give you three. First, they had quality eye-witnessess. Let me give you an example of what I mean by this. If you've read the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe there's the scene where Lucy who is characteristically sweet has just returned from Narnia with Edmund who is known for being devious. When they rejoin the others Edmund claims that their journey was just a story Lucy made up. Susan and Peter don't really understand why Lucy is telling stories about this mysterious place called Narnia, and they realize the issue is beyond them to fix. They turn to the Professor for some advice. Susan's and Peter's can't understand why Lucy has been telling lies about Narnia. The Professor asks how it is they know that Lucy's story isn't true. So he makes them think. Lucy could be a liar. The Professor asks if Lucy or Edmund is generally the more truthful one. Both Peter and Susan agree the answer would typically be Lucy. Something could be wrong with Lucy (like madness). The Professor, however, quickly dismisses this as “one has only to look at her and talk to her to see that she is not mad.” Lucy is telling the truth- Susan and Peter are resistant to the idea that Lucy might be telling the truth because, in their minds, people don't just find other countries lying in wardrobes. But the Professor points out that the details of Lucy's story don't seem to be the sort she could just make up and there is a great deal even he doesn't know about the house. Thus, “for the moment then and unless any further evidence turns up, we must assume that she is telling the truth.” That's exactly what's happening here. Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary the mother of James had all seen Jesus. And presumably they were not in the habit of lying, they were not mad, and much like the mysterious house, ‘there was a great deal they didn't yet know about Jesus.' So yes, the claim is gigantic, “Jesus rose from the dead!” but the reasons to believe that claim are also gigantic. 1. They had quality eye-witnessess. 2. They had seen extensive proof that Jesus was God. Because they had lived with the Lord, I want you to picture in your mind's eye what they had seen. Miracles of Jesus. 1.Water into wine at the wedding in Cana 2.Healing of the official's son at Capernaum in Galilee 3.Jesus drives out an evil spirit from a man in Capernaum 4.Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law sick with fever 5.Jesus heals many sick and oppressed at evening 6.First miraculous catch of fish on Sea of Galilee 7.Jesus cleanses a man with leprosy 8.Jesus heals a centurion's paralyzed servant in Capernaum 9.Jesus heals a paralytic who was let down from the roof 10. Jesus heals a man's withered hand on the Sabbath 11. Jesus raises a widow's son from the dead in Nain 12. Jesus calms a storm on the sea 13. Jesus casts demons into a herd of pigs 14. Jesus heals a woman in the crowd with an issue of blood 15. Jesus raises Jairus' daughter back to life 16. Jesus heals two blind men 17. Jesus heals a man who was unable to speak 18. Jesus heals an invalid at Bethesda 19. Jesus feeds 5,000 plus women and children 20. Jesus walks on water 21. Jesus heals many sick in Gennesaret as they touch his garment 22. Jesus heals a gentile woman's demon-possessed daughter 23. Jesus heals a deaf and dumb man 24. Jesus feeds 4,000 plus women and children 25. Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida 26. Jesus heals a man born blind by spitting in his eyes 27. Jesus heals a boy with an unclean spirit 28. Miraculous temple tax in a fish's mouth 29. Jesus heals a blind, mute demoniac 30. Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled for 18 years 31. Jesus heals a man with dropsy on the sabbath 32. Jesus cleanses ten lepers on the way to Jerusalem 33. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in Bethany 34. Jesus restores sight to Bartimaeus in Jericho 35. Jesus withers the fig tree on the road from Bethany 36. Jesus heals a servant's severed ear while he is being arrested So yes, the claim is gigantic, “Jesus rose from the dead!” but the reasons to believe that claim are also gigantic. 1. They had quality eye-witnessess. 2. They had seen extensive proof that Jesus was God. 3. They had clear predictions that this very event would transpire. On several different occasions that he would die and be raised again. In Jn 2 he told his opponents, destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. In Mt 12 he said, just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. You might say, well those are kind of cryptic references. Well, do you think this is cryptic? Luke 18:31-33, And taking the twelve, he said to them, See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. 33 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise. Or how about a couple chapters later. Luke 24:7, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise. That is not mysterious. I'm just saying. In fact, it was such common knowledge that even his enemies knew the plain interpretation of his words. After Jesus had died and was laid in the tomb we read, Matthew 27 So let me ask you, “Did Thomas have good reason to doubt?” No. So if he didn't have good reason to doubt, then why did he doubt? Maybe you are here today with good reason to doubt. You haven't done the research. You have good questions. Continue seeking. But maybe you are here today and you are like Thomas and you don't realize that the reasons you are holding onto are not good reasons. You say you have good reasons to doubt, you say that you are needing certain specific pieces of evidence, but maybe it's not an intellectual obstacle. Let me introduce one more concept into our chart. Thomas used to be in this box. Maybe that describes you. You grew up in church. You used to go to AWANA. You used to read your Bible and believe everything it said. You used to be sold out for the Lord. But then something happened. In Thomas' case, it was shattered expectations and misunderstanding of God's plan. He thought Jesus was going to bless him and instead he left him. Maybe that's how you feel? And Thomas couldn't deal with it. So tragedy caused him to doubt. Tragedy shook him off his feet. When you move from belief to unbelief or from unbelief to belief, you cross over this line and we are going to call this line of doubt, the line of implications. Think about it. For Thomas, he had to wrestle with the claim that Jesus was God. And the longer he lived, the more he believed that claim. With every miracle, his faith grew. But then Jesus died. And his world fell apart. Any time you cross over that line. Whether from belief to unbelief or from unbelief to belief, you don't do it without some pretty serious implications. Crossing that line shatters a person. Because everything you've built your life upon falls crumbles like sand. It's extremely unsettling. It's extremely crushing. And in order to successfully cross the line, you have to have the emotional courage to deal with it. And many people don't have the courage. They would rather continue living a lie then admit that their entire life has been spent building upon a foundation of sand in which their head is buried. You see for Thomas, believing that Jesus had risen from the dead, in the end, was an emotional problem. Thomas already crossed that line once. He was shattered. Emotionally he was destroyed and he was picking up the pieces. Everything he built his life upon was in ruins. He probably felt hurt, betrayed, wounded and what was once glowing love for Jesus was replaced with deep suspicion. He had deconstructed. He wasn't about to go back there again. Maybe that describes you. Something hurt you. You felt let down by a church leader, or God allowed something to happen in your life that you felt should never have happened. And that thing, whatever it was, shattered you. And now your like Thomas. Your faith has been deconstructed and you feel fragmented and fractured. You feel duped. You felt like a kid who discovered Santa wasn't real. And your whole world got turned upside down. And when you crossed over that line of implications you were wrecked. And now you've been living on the other side of that line for a while now. And you are looking back over that line to where you used to be and you hear good arguments for the resurrection, you know that the argument of evolution doesn't work, but you can't emotionally bear the weight of crossing that line again. It's too dangerous. You've got to protect your soul. You've got to make sure that soul injury doesn't get repeated. Listen friend, Thomas can relate. God has sympathy for how you feel. In Jude 1:20 we have instruction given to us on how to treat people who doubt. Jude Have mercy. It's understandable why you feel this way. It's a state that should evoke sympathy. We see this kind of mercy in Jesus as he approached Thomas. Jesus comes under the same circumstances (closed doors) and with the same greeting of peace as before (20:19, 26). This is definitely a mild, gentle, loving correction. He doesn't say Thomas' condition is acceptable. He doesn't say, “Well, Thomas, I know you're doubting, but that's understandable, because I haven't shown you the evidence.” He says, “Stop doubting” which means Thomas should have believed. He was not listening to the women who had seen him and he was not listening to the disciples. But most of all, he was not listening to Jesus himself who had demonstrated his power and predicted this moment. Thomas wouldn't believe. He says, “I won't believe until I actually see him.” Well Jesus shows up, and he offers him the evidence, but you know what, the text is very careful to point out, he never takes up Jesus' offer. He never actually gets up and puts his hands and fingers in the holes. You want to know why? Because that was never the issue. Evidence was never the issue. The issue was he was too afraid. The issue was it was too good to be true and he didn't want to get his hopes up only to be dashed to pieces. Maybe he felt abandoned by Jesus and there was fear of another abandonment. And while that is sympathy inducing, it's also a barrier to his joy. Here was an offer of absolute happiness and there was a defiance of that happiness. Can I ask, maybe that's what's preventing you from coming to Jesus? Well, notice what fixes the problem for Thomas. It's simply seeing him. It's simply being with him. It's simply beholding him. Thomas saw something great and it brought him back to Jesus. You need the same thing Thomas needed. You don't need to see Jesus in the flesh. What you need is to see Jesus in the text, in his Words. You just need to read the book of John again. You need to read about who he claimed to be. Look at how he responded. And you know what will happen. If you drop those fears of abandonment, and you say, what if that tragedy that pushed me away from God was actually the way God would help me see him for not who I wanted him to be but who he actually is? Spend time in the Bible, friend. See Jesus and will discover, like millions who have gone before you, that in so doing, you will fall on your face and declare, “May Lord and my God.” If you read the 8 miracles of Jesus in almost every instance, those who see the miracles in real life don't believe. What kind of a miracle is that? Why would John choose these miracles? They didn't have the right effect on those who watched them. Why would they have a greater effect on those who read them? Remember the religious leaders in John 11. They watched Lazarus be raised from the dead. I mean that's a legit miracle. But here was the response. So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation... so from that day on they made plans to put him to death. And after this they did. They killed the Son of God. Did miracles and signs and wonders cause them to believe? No. Why didn't they believe? Fear! The Pharisees were scared of giving up their precious - their place and their position. And that fear blinded them. They couldn't see him. And maybe that's what's preventing you coming to Jesus. It's scary crossing that line of implication. It takes tremendous courage. It takes all kinds of bravery and fearlessness. But what if it's true? Would you really want to fend of eternal joy your entire life for fear of being disappointed? John is pointing us to something. We all need evidence. We don't need less than that but we need more than that. Evidence alone will never save a person. God uses evidence but what you really need is Jesus himself. You need to behold him. You need to consider his claims. You need to interact with his person. It's the person of Jesus that actually changes. It's the person. In the end it's not the evidence. And you need to drop that fear that binds you. But all who see, all who drop their fear, all who open their eyes and gaze, ALL, and I do mean ALL, are saved. ALL are saved who open their eyes and see Jesus. He is irresistible! All fall on their face and say, “My Lord and My God!”

Joining David and Curtis this week are two of the most influential voices speaking to Christian faith in the public square, David Brooks and Peter Wehner. Both Peter and David recently wrote landmark pieces analyzing the current landscape of American evangelicalism. In this podcast, they discuss the signs of hope and restoration for the troubled movement. Also, in a bit of self-revelation, they share about the books that most influenced their own faith journeys. Show Notes:-Peter Wehner: “The Evangelical Church is Breaking Apart”-David Brooks: “The Dissenters Trying to Save Evangelicalism From Itself”David Brooks' Most Influential Books: A Severe Mercy (Sheldon Vanauken)The Long Loneliness (Dorothy Day)The Confessions (St. Augustine)My Bright Abyss (Christian Wiman)Peter Wehner's Most Influential Books:A Grief Observed (CS Lewis)The Resurrection of the Son of God (NT Wright)

Both Peter and Paul tell us about the importance of the body of Christ, the church. The church isn't the building it's the people and here's why. 

Both readings present a response to an encounter with the operations of the Divine realm. That response is not positive. Both Peter and Isaiah come unglued. But these are not stories of condemnation. They are stories of calling. Here's a printable version of an earlier draft. 

Wednesday, 26 January 2022   So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, Acts 4:24   Peter and John returned to their own group and reported to them everything that the council had said to them. With this noted, Luke now records the actions of the group, beginning with, “So when they heard that.”   This refers to the news concerning the words of the council. The reaction that happens next is based on hearing the report of the council's rejection of Peter's words concerning Jesus, which include the explanation for how the sign that had been performed in the healing of the man had come about. Everything about the occasion called out that Jesus is alive, and He is Lord. And yet, their words had been rejected. With this understood, it next says, “they raised their voice to God.”   The idea here is that of an outwardly expressive voice. It is a Hebraism, corresponding to the word nasa (to lift, carry, or take) found throughout the Old Testament. One could lift his voice in mourning (Genesis 21:16) or in tears of joy (Genesis 29:11). One could lift his voice in distress (Genesis 27:38) or in terror (Isaiah 10:3). Entire groups could lift up a united voice for any such reason as well (2 Chronicles 5:13). In this case now in Acts, it says that this was done by the people “with one accord.”   It is a united lifting of the voice by the people. Thus, it is to be considered in the same light as the last example cited above from 2 Chronicles 5:13 –   indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud,    As the words of the next verse in Acts will be the citing of a portion of Psalm 2, it appears that the words of this verse now are actually sung out, just as the words of a psalm were lifted up in 2 Chronicles 5. If so, it would be done either in harmony or antiphonally. Further, if this is the case, it is the earliest singing of a hymn to the Lord in the church age that is recorded in Scripture. This appears to be likely, and it is a beautiful expression of the state of the people's minds as they united their voices together “and said: “Lord, You are God.”   Here, a particular word for “Lord,” despotés, signifying the Sovereign Lord, is used. It signifies an authority figure, like a master or even a husband who has complete authority and jurisdiction, and who wields total and unrestricted power in his realm. Being a reference to God, it signifies the Sovereign Lord who has complete and total authority over the universe, meaning temporally, spiritually, chronologically, and so on. Everything is within His power and ultimately under His rule.   The word was first used in Luke 2:29 when Simeon beheld God's Messiah and uttered out a song of joy. This is its second of ten uses in Scripture. Both Peter and Jude will use the term and apply it to Jesus. In the Old Testament, it is used to refer to the Angel of the Lord and to the Lord directly as well. With this address stated, it next says, “who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them.”   It is a citation from Psalm 146 –   “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God, 6 Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever,” Psalm 146:5, 6   This psalm goes on to speak of “those who are bowed down” in verse 8. As such, it is an appropriate psalm to recite, even if only in part. The beggar who was raised up was the act that began the entire process, and he may very well have been there among the disciples at this time. Either way, the point of citing this psalm is to acknowledge the absolute sovereignty of the Lord.   The general thought expressed in the words is found again in Revelation 14 –   “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.'” Revelation 14:6, 7   Life application: Paul says elsewhere –   “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16, 17   He says this same general thought in Ephesians 5:19 as well. This is something that will turn our minds to higher things and away from the world around us. In having songs that exalt God nearby, we will be less likely to think on the immoral or perverse. It is a good way to stay in tune with God and His word.   Having said that, this can become a source of legalism with some. Anything can be taken to an unintended extreme. What starts out with good intent suddenly becomes a source of pride or personal exaltation. “How could you listen to that radio station? I only listen to Christian songs on my radio!” Suddenly what is a personal choice to stay in tune with the Lord becomes a way of accusing others of being “less spiritual.”   This can occur with types of dress, personal choices concerning things such as drinking alcohol, and so on. Anything can become a personal idol or a means of exalting oneself in the presence of others. So, let us live our lives to God, be examples to others of what we value in our relationship with Him, but not act as if our personal choices are the only way to express ourselves properly before the Lord.   Paul gave his exhortation, and it should be followed. But we also have freedom to do things not explicitly forbidden in Scripture. Let us be wise, circumspect, and gracious in our conduct around and toward others.   Gracious heavenly Father, how wonderful it is to praise You, to sing praises to You, and to hear others do so as well. You are God! You have created all things, and by Your hand all things exist and have their being. Be exalted in Your creation, O God. And hear the praises of Your people as we lift our voices to You. Amen.

Both Peter and Judas asked of Jesus, "Is it me?" after Jesus had told his disciples that one of them would betray him. This can be a question that can cause hand-wringing even today. Am I saved or am I not? Am I chosen? This talk deals particularly with 'theological fatalism' (or 'hyper-Calvinism') and the concerns that the doctrine of predestination bring up. While the doctrine of predestination often brings dread, the opposite is intended in Scripture. It is a doctrine, when properly understood, gives assurance and hope. The Copyright for all material on the podcast is held by L'Abri Fellowship. We ask that you respect this by not publishing the material in full or in part in any format or post it on a website without seeking prior permission from L'Abri Fellowship. Also, note that not all views expressed in the lectures or in the discussion time necessarily represent the views of L'Abri Fellowship. © Canadian L'Abri 2020

Teaching NotesDoubt Created (3:1-4) Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:1-4Rebuttal (3:5-9) Everything has not stayed the same. (3:5-6) But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 2 Peter 3:5-6Everything will not stay the same (3:7) By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.2 Peter 3:7God works off a different timetable (3:8) But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.2 Peter 3:8God's “delay” offers time for more people to believe (3:9,15) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9New Testament Challenge:New: The Day of the Lord is coming (3:10-13) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 2 Peter 3:10Testament: We declare and believe Jesus will keep his promise Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.John 14:1-3Be merciful to those who doubt (Jude 22) Challenge: Live godly lives as we look forward to Jesus' coming Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:11-13 Going Deeper Discussion"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells." 2 Peter3:11-13"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."John 14:1-3Do the above verses sound hopeful to you? Why or why not?Both Peter and John are speaking about the End Times here. After hearing Randy's teaching on the subject how has your understanding changed? How does looking towards the Christian hope of Jesus's return effect the way you live now?How should this hope create an urgency in Christ followers today? Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereBattle Belongs- Phil WickhamJesus Be The Center- Israel HoughtonThank You Jesus For The Blood- Charity GayleTremble- Mosaic MSC WFC SpeedwayChild of Love- We The KingdomBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!

Teaching NotesDoubt Created (3:1-4) Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:1-4Rebuttal (3:5-9) Everything has not stayed the same. (3:5-6) But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 2 Peter 3:5-6Everything will not stay the same (3:7) By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.2 Peter 3:7God works off a different timetable (3:8) But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.2 Peter 3:8God's “delay” offers time for more people to believe (3:9,15) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9New Testament Challenge:New: The Day of the Lord is coming (3:10-13) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 2 Peter 3:10Testament: We declare and believe Jesus will keep his promise Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.John 14:1-3Be merciful to those who doubt (Jude 22) Challenge: Live godly lives as we look forward to Jesus' coming Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:11-13Going Deeper Discussion"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells." 2 Peter3:11-13"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."John 14:1-3Do the above verses sound hopeful to you? Why or why not?Both Peter and John are speaking about the End Times here. After hearing Randy's teaching on the subject how has your understanding changed? How does looking towards the Christian hope of Jesus's return effect the way you live now?How should this hope create an urgency in Christ followers today?Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereBattle Belongs- Phil WickhamJesus Be The Center- Israel HoughtonThank You Jesus For The Blood- Charity GayleTremble- Mosaic MSC WFC SpeedwayChild of Love- We The KingdomBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!

Take It Deeper Questions: Read John 18:12-14,19-24,28-40 As a child, were you ever blamed for something you didn't do? How did you react? Both Peter and Pilot caved. Who do you identify with more, Peter or Pilot? Why? How does Barabbas' freedom at Christ's expense illustrate the Gospel (good news)? How are you focused, challenged, encouraged and/or frustrated by this text? Bible Reading Plan: Numbers 15 Numbers 16 Numbers 17 John 7 John 8 John 9

This week Ben and Lucy are joined by Peter and Andres from Auroch Digital to chat about the Bristol game dev studio and their upcoming game Brewmaster, a chemistry-based home brewing sim. We delve into Brewmaster, its inspirations, the scientific approach and what to expect from the game. We also chat with Andres and Peter about what they are currently playing. There are a bunch of beers. Andres drinks a trio from Queer Brewing, with their Flowers Witbier, Tiny Dots Pilsner and Existence as a Radical Act Pale Ale. Both Peter and Ben stick with Bristol brewers, Peter drinks All Day Long from Newtown Park and Arbors My Little Sabrony and Ben has Good Chemistry Big Bounce and Left Handed Giants Directional Dance. Lucy starts with Water Jump from Whiplash and finishes on the Kriek from Lindemans. If you want to support Auroch Digital and are interested in Brewmaster it can be wishlisted here on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1569200/Brewmaster/ Join The Discord: https://discord.gg/JwY25Kv Visit Us On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outoflivesnetwork Please like comment and subscribe and if you can share it! Want to be part of the team, contact us!

Gwyn's sharing how many of the New Testament men lived out the great commission, enduring persecution even to the point of death. Find us on Facebook and Instagram Sign up for our newsletter here Send us a message to openthewordpodcast@gmail.com Peter requested to be crucified upside down. Both Peter and Paul were both eventually martyred in Rome about 66 A.D., during the persecution under Emperor Nero. Paul was beheaded by the sword. Peter was crucified upside down at his request, since he did not feel he was worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. Philip had a far reaching ministry in Carthage North Africa and in Asia Minor. He converted the wife of a Roman proconsul who retaliated by having Philip arrested, scourged and thrown into prison. Afterwards he was crucified at Heliopolis, in Phrygia A.D. 54 Mattias who replaced the Betrayer Judas in the closed group of twelve apostles to Israel was stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded. Mark was dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria. Andrew was crucified by a Roman Proconsule on a X shaped cross. Andrew preached in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey, and in Greece and was crucified on an “X”-shaped cross. It is known today as St. Andrew's Cross. James who was the pastor of the Jerusalem church; step brother of Jesus and author of the Epistle died in 62 A.D., by his fellow brethren he tried so desperately to reach. The Sanhedrin Pharisees and Sadducees assembled demanding him to declare from the galleries that Jesus was not the Messiah. He went to the roof and instead of blaspheming the name he shouted out Jesus is the Son of God and judge of the world. Enraged the Jews hurled him off the temple he was then beaten and as he was stoned He prayed as Jesus did, “Father forgive them they know not what they do.” He finally had his life ended with a club. James the son of Zebedee was beheaded, this is recorded in Acts 12:1-3: “Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also.” Simon the Zealot was ministering in Persia, and was killed after refusing to sacrifice to the sun god according to Foxes book of Martyrs Bartholomew(Nathaniel) ministered in Asia Minor and India. Armenian Church claimed him as their founder. tradition of the church suggests he was flayed alive in Armenia. Matthew(Levi) went to Persia, Macedonia, Syria, Parthia, Media, and Ethiopia bringing good news to Kings. Thomas traveled to India, suggested that he died by Spear for his faith. James the less(son of Alphaeus): tradition suggests that he was crucified in the Sinai or in Persia or stoned to death in Jerusalem. John the Beloved was the only disciple not to be martyred. Died in Ephesus at about 100 AD. Cared for Mary till her death. led the church from Ephesus in later times. Resources Mentioned: The Voice of the Martyrs Fox's Book of the Martyrs

GreyBeards had an amazing discussion with Peter Thompson (@Lucid_Link), CEO & co-founder and George Dochev (@GDochev), CTO & co-founder of LucidLink. Both Peter and George were very knowledgeable and easy to talk with. LucidLink's Cloud NAS creates a NAS storage system out of cloud (any S3 compatible AND Azure Blob) object storage. LucidLink is made … Continue reading "121: GreyBeards talk Cloud NAS with Peter Thompson, CEO & George Dochev, CTO LucidLink"

GreyBeards had an amazing discussion with Peter Thompson (@Lucid_Link), CEO & co-founder and George Dochev (@GDochev), CTO & co-founder of LucidLink. Both Peter and George were very knowledgeable and easy to talk with. LucidLink's Cloud NAS creates a NAS storage system out of cloud (any S3 compatible AND Azure Blob) object storage. LucidLink is made … Continue reading "121: GreyBeards talk Cloud NAS with Peter Thompson, CEO & George Dochev, CTO LucidLink"

Rachel Freeman, ADEA podcast host, and mum of a 10 year old with type 1 diabetes, chats to Peter Lomas, founder of Not Just a Patch, and Ashley Ng, Dietitian and new mum, about diabetes stigma. Both Peter and Ashley live with type 1 diabetes and have an infectious positive attitude. They discuss how words can make a difference to people who live with diabetes every day and how this can be addressed through open conversation. This podcast is supported by Not Just A Patch https://notjustapatch.com/

This episode is not about photography in itself, but about using photography as the source material.  Both Peter and Laura use photography and have arrived at the same point in how they do so.  For each of them photography is useful reference but not something to copy. Of course these are opinions rather than rules and need to be interpreted in the context of your own artistic practice, but P&L both make art that refers to rather than relying on their cameras.

Few passages in the Synoptic Gospels have been more disputed in the history of the church than Peter's confession that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” and its aftermath (Matt. 16:13–28). Here we may venture only three reflections:(1) Judging by his response, Jesus sees this confession as a significant advance, achieved by revelation from the Father (16:17). But that does not mean that before this point Peter had no inkling that Jesus is the Messiah. Nor does it mean that he understood “Messiah” in the full-fledged, Christian sense associated with the word after Jesus' death and resurrection. At this point, quite clearly, Peter was prepared to accept Jesus as Israel's King, the Anointed One from the Davidic line, but he had no idea that he must be simultaneously Davidic king and suffering Servant, as the ensuing verses show. Both Peter's understanding and his faith were maturing, but still painfully lacking. Part of Peter's coming to full Christian faith on these matters depended absolutely on waiting for the next major redemptive-historical appointment: the cross and the resurrection.(2) Jesus' words, “[Y]ou are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (16:18), have been taken to be the foundation of the Roman Catholic papacy. Even on the most sympathetic reading, however, it is difficult to see how this passage says anything about passing on a Petrine precedence, still less about gradually developing and enhancing the papacy until in 1870 the doctrine of papal infallibility was promulgated. Offended by such extravagant claims, many Protestants have offered exegeses equally unbelievable. Perhaps Jesus said, “You are Peter” (pointing to Peter) “and on this rock I will build my church” (pointing to himself). Or perhaps the “rock” on which the church is built is not Peter, but Peter's confession—which scarcely accounts for the pun in Greek: “you are petros and on this petra.”(3) It is better to see that Peter really does have a certain primacy—what has been called “a salvation-historical primacy.” He was the first to see certain things, the leader gifted by God in the first steps of organization and evangelism after the resurrection (as Acts makes clear). But not only was this leadership bound up with Peter's unique role in redemptive history (so unique that it could not, in the nature of the case, be passed on), but the gospel authority extended to him (16:18–19) is extended to all the apostles (18:18). This is what we should expect: elsewhere we are told that the church is built on the foundation of prophets and apostles (Eph. 2:20, italics added). As the ancient formula puts it, Peter was primus inter pares—first among equals. This podcast is designed to be used alongside TGC's Read The Bible initiative (TGC.org/readthebible). The podcast features devotional commentaries from D.A. Carson's book For the Love of God (vol. 2) that follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan.

Readings* Psalm 103* Joshua 4:1–24* Acts 9:23–43* Augsburg Confession, Art. XXIIIFestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles. Early Christian tradition holds that Ss. Peter and Paul were martyred on the same day in Rome under the persecution of Nero. In addition to their joint commemoration on June 29th (a festival the Church has observed since the third century or so), Ss. Peter and Paul are also commemorated separately in the calendar — St. Peter on the 18th of January for his confession of Christ and Paul on the 25th of January for his conversion. Both Peter and Paul are held up in Scripture as examples of men who, although flawed, became staunch defenders of and evangelists for the faith.ReaderCorey J. MahlerCopyright NoticesUnless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Unless otherwise indicated, all quotations from the Lutheran Confessions are from Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, copyright © 2005, 2006 by Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. All rights reserved. To purchase a copy of Concordia, call 800-325-3040.Support the show (https://confident.faith/donate/)

Sochi Pair Panel Reunion - Peter Cain and Troy Goldstein join David SanteePeter Cain is an Australian pair skater who currently works as a coach. With sister Elizabeth Cain, he is the 1976 World Junior bronze medalist and a four-time Australian national champion. Their highest placement at the World Championships was 12th in 1977. They competed in the 1980 Winter Olympics, finishing eleventh. He is the uncle and former coach of Australian national champion Sean Carlow and father of American skater Ashley Cain. He currently works as a coach in the Euless, Texas area.Troy Goldstein was an American pairs skater with his sister Dawn. He toured with Disney on Ice for several years. He currently serves as Treasurer of U.S. Figure Skating.Both Peter and Troy are ISU Technical Specialists.

Over the past few years, an emerging framework has become a main stream investment theme. The theme is ESG and it stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. These non-financial factors are becoming a more significant part of every investors decision making process. In today’s ‘Insights into Wealth’ podcast, BULLWEALTH’s CIO, Peter Klein, dives into how ESG came to the forefront and what is next as investors consider the importance of this framework to investing around the globe. Joining Peter is Claude Robillard, Founder and Principal of 43 North Group, a consulting firm focused on alternative asset classes and ESG investing. Both Peter and Claude explore the fundamentals of ESG and its overall importance for global investors.

Both Peter and John wrote about the transfiguration of Jesus that they experienced on the mount. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

“In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem, government IS the problem. It isn't so much that liberals are ignorant, it's just that they know so much that isn't so.” ― Ronald Reagan   This is not about politics however my Question is. Question: "What does the Bible say about government?" Answer: The Bible speaks very clearly about the relationship between the believer and the government. We are to obey governmental authorities, and the government is to treat us justly and fairly. Even when the government does not live up to its role, we are still to live up to ours. Finally, when the government asks us to do something that is in direct disobedience to God's Word, we are to disobey the government in faithful confidence of the Lord's power to protect us.   Whether the Bible uses the terms “master,” “ruler,” “government,” or any other name for an established authority, the instruction is always the same – obey. We must remember that God created the authorities ruling over us just as He created us. As Paul wrote to the Romans, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2). Peter wrote, “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13-14). Both Peter and Paul also remind slaves repeatedly to be obedient to their masters for the same reasons (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25; 1 Timothy 6:1-2; 1 Peter 2:18-20; Titus 2:9-11).   The instructions to government “masters” are just as clear and just as numerous. Jesus modeled the behavior and attitude every leader or authority should take. “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'” (Matthew 20:25-28). A government or authority exists to serve those governed.   Many times, however, a government will stray from its purpose and become oppressive. When that happens, we are still to live in obedience. “Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God” (1 Peter 2:18-19). Both Jesus and Paul used taxes to illustrate this. The Roman government taxed the Jews unjustly and many of the tax collectors were thieves. When asked about this dilemma, Jesus took a coin and said, “‘Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?' ‘Caesar's,' they replied. Then he said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's'” (Matthew 22:20-21). Evidently, the believers in Rome were still asking the same question because Paul instructed them on the matter. “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing” (Romans 13:6).   In the Old Testament, Daniel is a model we should use when it comes to our relationship with government. The Babylonians were given authority over the Jews because of the Jews' disobedience. Daniel worked himself into the highest levels of this pagan and unbelieving government. Although the rulers respected Daniel's God, their lives and actions show they did not believe. Daniel served the king as a true servant when he requested the wise men not be executed for failing to interpret the king's dream. Instead, he asked for the key to interpret the dream from God and saved those, including himself, who would have been executed. While Daniel was in the royal court, his three friends refused to bow to the idol erected by King Nebuchadnezzar and were sentenced to death in the furnace (Daniel 3:12-15). Their response was confident faith. They did not defend themselves, but instead told the king their God would save them, adding that even if He did not, they still would not worship or serve Nebuchadnezzar's gods (Daniel 3:16-18).   After the Medes conquered Babylon, Daniel continued to serve faithfully and to rise in power within the government. Here, Daniel faced the same dilemma when the governors and satraps tricked the king into signing a decree “…that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions” (Daniel 6:7). Daniel responded by directly, and in full view of everyone, disobeying the order. “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days” (Daniel 6:10). Daniel was completely loyal to any ruler placed over him until that ruler ordered him to disobey God. At that moment, when a choice had to be made between the world and God, Daniel chose God. As should we all.

This week we're looking at an admittingly strange passage. When they come to arrest Jesus, Peter tries to defend him and cuts off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus - even as he's being arrested - heals the man and rebukes Peter. What is going on here? Love of enemies? The Church injuring people? Jesus healing enemies? Jesus healing Peter? Yes. Let's talk about Jesus “Restoring Malchus' Ear” Discussion Questions Sheep Video https://twitter.com/urupzia/status/1383518691963260933?s=21 Metaphorically speaking, what's an example of this kind of thing happening with sheep in the church? People get injured by the church; we've all been there! But at what point is it reasonable to be hurt, leave, and sulk, and when is it a moment to forgive, turn the other cheek, and seek unity in the same body – staying put!? After all, in the first century, it wasn't so easy to find another church; there was only the one (i.e., Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica)! Is it too easy to flee, bounce, and evade in our culture? Do you do this? Peter literally gave a rock-solid confession about Christ (Matthew 16:18), yet here he is in a shameful moment. Has your faith ever been tested and proven through a spiritual hero's failures? Do you share failures, or keep them secret? The sign of a good leader is that they lead you to Jesus. Who has been vulnerable with you, yet you treasure them so much because they have helped you grow in your faith? Jesus touches His enemies in order to heal. (Romans 5:6-10) Both Peter and Malchus were restored. Enemies became family, assuming Malchus became a part of the Church. What's the closest you've come to this? Gospel: The King went down for us, the pawns. We can receive genuine criticism, accepting we are failures, yet still feel loved. Our value comes from the One Who gave up His rights to get even with us, so that we could be restored. What did you need to hear in the sermon, or during this discussion?

God With Us: Later Letters, Week 10Dangers Ahead The New Testament books of Second Peter and Jude both deal with potential pitfalls for the early Christians. False teachers were infiltrating the churches introducing destructive heresies and immoral practices. Both Peter and Jude felt compelled to address these issues. As protection, Peter specifically encourages believers to focus on their spiritual growth and underscores the importance of God's Word. This message is part of our God With Us series where Pastor Bob walks us through the entire Bible.

God With Us: Later Letters, Week 10Dangers Ahead The New Testament books of Second Peter and Jude both deal with potential pitfalls for the early Christians. False teachers were infiltrating the churches introducing destructive heresies and immoral practices. Both Peter and Jude felt compelled to address these issues. As protection, Peter specifically encourages believers to focus on their spiritual growth and underscores the importance of God's Word. This message is part of our God With Us series where Pastor Bob walks us through the entire Bible.

Grab a seat in the pew as we look at how we’re called to respond to Jesus Christ, using real people from the Bible as examples. In this podcast we’ll learn that: - Life is made up of responses, including “no” - The way you respond to Christ has eternal consequences - Both Peter and Judas betrayed Jesus, but their responses made all the difference. Check out "The Narrow Road," a BRAND NEW resource for guys to help you live lives of virtue and holiness. Read all about it here: www.patreon.com/posts/46385993 Get a copy of my new eBook, "12 Ways Guys Can Get Closer to Jesus": justaguyinthepew.com/ebook SUPPORT Support me on Patreon. Your monthly gift, no matter the size, will help me grow "Just a Guy in the Pew" and reach more men who need the message of Jesus in their life. When you become a Patron, you also get awesome swag and exclusive content. Check it out here: www.patreon.com/pewministries

This week, we're joined by Peter Ballard and Dicken Doe from Foolproof, which is a global experience design company. Both Peter and Dicken bring a ton of experience to the show and bring a very unique topic to the show. Peter is the co-founder of Foolproof and VP Head of Marketing at Zensar and Dicken is an Experience Design Director at Foolproof and specliasies in data, analytics, and application of AI. So, they have a great combination of experience and knowledge. The focus of this episode covers a very unique and cool topic. We discuss how retailers and B2C sites can drive acquisition through digital gifting. Foolproof lots of interesting research over the Christmas period which suggests that consumers aren't fully satisfied with the gifting experience that retailers offer. Many consumers order gifts to their own homes and then resend the gift to the recipient due to a lack of confidence to do this directly. So, we asked Peter & Dicken several questions on how retailers can improve the digital gifting experience and discussed some of their research findings. Digital Gifting research - https://www.foolproof.co.uk/journal/43-of-uk-shoppers-forced-to-expend-unnecessary-effort-this-christmas/ Journal - https://www.foolproof.co.uk/journal/

Celtic Soul Podcast Episode 56 with More than 90 Minutes, Editor Andrew Milne chatting to Peter HootonPeter Hooton, is a singer, songwriter and the front man of Liverpool band The Farm, he was a pioneer in what would become football fanzines when he started The End Fanzine back in early eighties. He is a committee member of the Liverpool fans pressure group Spirit of Shankly and just to keep busy over the years he has written a couple of books and put out a documentary on the Casuals.The conversation kicks off with Andrew and Peter chatting about the early years of The Farm and their Irish gigs supporting The Housemartins when they hadn’t a pot to piss in and the attitude of the band inspired by the Clash, their influences and those who helped them along the way including Madness and UB40.The Clash who Peter spent a week in the company of in Paris after blagging his way onto the guestlist after he revisited the city after a European Cup Final win for Liverpool is recalled.Peter talks about growing up in Liverpool and his Irish connections and the traditions of the Protestant and Catholic faiths in the city. The Liverpool docks became a big employer for immigrants for the original Irish and their descendants. Peter is great story teller and paints a picture of school days and his love of football and Bill Shankly for the listeners.His love of football and captaining his school team would see him make his first trip to Glasgow to play against local schools before going to see Celtic and a chance meeting with Jock Stein and later the Glasgow Police in a Chippy.Both Peter and Andrew have a love of Fanzines and their DIY nature, they speak about the End and the influence it would have on the Football Fanzines that followed and the connection music has with football culture and the new forms of media with Peter describing FaceBook as the revolution that went wrong. The conversation travels from Dublin to Liverpool to Glasgow and even to London for Soho nights with Suggs from Madness who was once the Farms manager come drinking buddy. You’ll Never Walk Alone gets mentioned and Peter gives the story behind how Celtic fans  now sing Four Leaf Clover in Celtic Park after the Peat Diggers gig in Liverpool after Celtic UEFA cup game in the late 1990’s and he chats about the whole day in the pub listening to the band while the pub ran out of beer before emergency stocks were brought in while the fans of both teams were at Anfield.All football fans love talking about away days and Peter tells the listeners about a trip with Liverpool up to Glasgow and sessions in the Gallowgate and the Gorbals in Bairds and the Brazenhead before the tape is paused on the first part of the interview. In part two next Friday Peter opens up about Hillsborough, he also chats about pulling on the Celtic jersey to play alongside Jimmy Johnstone and the importance of fan pressure groups like the Spirit of Shankly and the Celtic Trust in modern footballPlay Out Song, All Together Now performed by The FarmFollow Peter on Twitter @TheFarm/PeterHootonEpisode Sponsors More than 90 Minutes More than 90 Minutes Issue 113Click Link to buy Print or Digital Edition https://celticfanzine.com/product-category/new-issue/More than 90 Minutes Celtic Fanzine Subscription Detailshttps://celticfanzine.com/product-category/monthly-print-subscription/This Episodes Listeners Offer: Sale on selected Merchandise & T-Shirts https://celticfanzine.com/shop/If your business or CSC like the Podcast and would like to become a sponsor please email us at info@celticfanzine.com. You can also contact us through the website or message us on social media. Further ListeningAll Podcasts available on all Platforms or click link belowhttps://celticfanzine.com/podcasts/Follow Us FB        https://www.facebook.com/Mt90MTwitter @celticfanzineInsta    celticfanzineLinkedIn More than 90 Minutes Episode 56 was Produced by Ronan McQuillan If you would like to support our Independent Celtic Fan Media Platform you can become a Member, Subscribe, Buy or Donate for the Price of a Pint. Your Support helps us continue to produce Daily News & Articles, Weekly Newsletter, Weekly Podcasts, Monthly Fanzine, Video Content & Live Shows.https://celticfanzine.com/join-us/https://celticfanzine.com/product-category/monthly-print-subscriptionhttps://celticfanzine.com/shop/https://celticfanzine.com/donations-page/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The pitfalls of pride & false humility  Both Peter and James remind us in their respective epistles that “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” This week, as we continue our Kingdom Leadership Series, we will talk about the necessity and the benefits of humility. We’ll also address the pitfalls of pride and false humility. All great leaders in the Kingdom of God understood that without humility, there is no leadership in the Kingdom of God. But what is humility? Is humility thinking you are just a little higher than cow dung? Hardly. And yet, many religious people would have you believe this. The dictionary defines humility as: a modest or low view of one's own importance. Note how it doesn’t say a low view of one’s own capacity, or ability to contribute.  The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as: freedom from pride or arrogance I like that even more. C.S. Lewis said: “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” So, this week, we'll teach you how to think of yourself less. Hey... You're welcome! ;)     Watch the Broadcast:  [embed]https://youtu.be/wnoXj43tTUE[/embed]     Don't miss our Live Brodcasts every Monday & Wednesday@ 7:30 p.m. EST on our https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxt3-lDARq9X5yV4Ku-i0lg (YouTube Channel!)  sign up to our email list if you would like us to send you our weekly podcast and broadcast via email. Go to the https://www.thrivingonpurpose.com/ (homepage!)      Support this podcast

In this week's Bitcoin Magazine podcast, Christian Keroles sits down with Andy Edstrom and Peter McCormack to discuss their recent contribution to Bitcoin Magazine Wining Hearts and Minds for Bitcoin.   Both Peter and Andy believe that Bitcoin is inevitable and has already won but it can be easier or harder depending on how bitcoin evangelists educate. They believe that thru rhetoric and appeals to moral foundation theory, Bitcoin evangelists can better explain to skeptics and newcomers the numerous positive implications of adopting Bitcoin.   Moral foundations theory is a theory on how humans make decisions and establish attitudes about things. The theory his a heavy influence on the book Righteous Mind which is the inspiration for the article.   These foundations from Moral Foundations Theory are: (1) care/harm, (2) fairness/cheating, (3) loyalty/betrayal, (4) authority/subversion, (5) sanctity/degradation (6) liberty/oppression.    In the article you all apply this mental model towards mining and energy usage.   "Bitcoiners need to educate people on this topic and avoid beginning passively on the back foot.  Whenever talking to someone who is concerned with Bitcoin’s environmental effects, it may make sense to lead with this question: “Could you please explain to me how we’re going to defeat global warming without Bitcoin?”  (I.e., defend your doomed sticks arguments, and I’ll respond with my Bitcoin carrot.)"   Follow Bitcoin Magazine @Bitcoin Magazine  Follow CK @ck_SNARKs  Follow Peter McCormack @PeterMcCormack Follow Andy Edstrom @edstromandrew

Peter reminds us that it's all how you look at the game. Wins are wins. Both Peter and Dale worry about Derrick Henry ripping the Packers a new one, but disagree on the result. Dale puts in a mediocre effort on the swear jar, with only $2.25 going towards @LLSusa. #GoPackGo --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/avgcheese/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/avgcheese/support

Dr. Joan Boney, Jesus Ministries ... Both Peter and Jude warned us there would be false teachers among the churches in the end times.  (II Peter 2 & Jude) Jesus also warned us about the people who come to us in the last days, saying,  "Jesus is Lord."  Because they say HE is Christ, they will deceive many.  (Mt. 24:1-4) In November, 2020, a man sent me an email identifying himself to me as being a pastor.   He told me how much he liked my book, Preparing for the Return of Jesus.  (Amazon) He asked me to send him more books for his church and for his pastors. I explained that Amazon does not give me books and that he would have to get my books directly from Amazon. I also explained that Amazon allows us to give free e-books which he would need to order from Amazon. In his next letter, he signed his name "Reverend". I responded by telling him no man should call himself "Reverend". Jesus called HIS ministers as follows: Ephesians 4:11-12  And HE (Jesus) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;   For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: There is only one time the word "Reverend" is used in the Bible. Psalm 111:9 HE (God) sent redemption unto HIS people: HE hath commanded HIS covenant for ever: holy and reverend is HIS (God's) name. This man responded immediately saying he agreed and he would remove the name "Reverend" and tell his pastors to remove the name "Reverend" and he was sorry he had done this.   But he twisted everything and said we should not use the name "Pastor" either.   I told him immediately that it is proper to use the name "Pastor" for Jesus HIMSELF called HIS ministers by the names:  apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher  (Eph. 4:11)   But not "Reverend".   ( Click here for podcast and to see scriptures )

Both Peter and Cornelius believed that they should not associate with one another. The vision the Lord gave to them broke down their common misconceptions. What misconceptions about THEM do you have? Reading: Acts 10:17-29

Episode 12, 2020: de Falla’s Concerto for Harpsichord Wednesday 23 September 2020 When pianist Wanda Landowska asked composer Manuel de Falla to write a composition inspired by Baroque music, she envisioned the piece to be played on a harpsichord. To this end, Landowska also commissioned the French firm Pleyel to build the instrument for her which they indulged with four 7-and-a-half feet long harpsichords made up of metal frames more powerful than any harpsichord known to JS Bach. Although it took him three years to complete, de Falla, a devout Catholic, was able to translate his love for rituals and sacraments into his music. In the second movement of the composition, one can hear solemn plainchants and the clanging of cathedral bells in the bass notes of the cathedral which were inspired by the yearly Corpus Christi procession the composer witnessed in Seville, Spain in 1922. Even without the magnificent harpsichords that the composition was first performed on, ANAM Associate Artist Peter de Jager was still able to give justice to the composition when he performed it with fellow ANAM musicians in 2014. Both Peter and Phil Lambert (ANAM Music Librarian) agree that de Falla envisioned this piece with big sonorous sounds, so suitable amplification of the harpsichord is needed for its sound to match the rest of the ensemble. In this ANAM Radio episode, Peter further talks about how de Falla was able to come up with a composition of great strength that seems to look beyond the instrument. The performance featured here is from ANAM alumna Jessica Foot’s fellowship concert in 2014. Watch the video recording at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-cb5tIip04&feature=youtu.be

As an artist it is very likely that, from time to time, you will be asked to do things for charity. It could be something that you do anyway, that generates funds for a charity you wish to support, or it could be an approach from a charity asking you to do something specific. Whatever the scenario if you are going to do work like this it needs to be taken just as seriously as for any other client. Both Peter and Laura have done things for charity - and for charitable reasons, in this episode they talk about their attitude to this kind of work.

1st reading by Valerie Isabella (Muntilan, Indonesia), 2nd reading by Modestus Widyawan (Muntilan, Indonesia), Gospel and meditation by Father Peter Tukan, SDB GOD WANTS THAT WE TOO FIGHT THE STORM OF EVIL The theme for our meditaiton on this 19th Sunday in ordinary time is: God Wants that We too Fight the Storm of Evil. There were two children, brother and sister, who were playing by the sea when the waves were big and breaking on the sand with a loud sound. Their mother sat under the tree watching them. The mother advised them not to go into the sea to play with the waves, because it would endanger them. They just played on the shore with the waves breaking on the sand. They have to take care of each other while playing and running. According to Jewish tradition and belief, especially during the time of Jesus, the waves of the sea, the strong currents, and the wind on the surface of the sea were signs that Satan and evil spirits were threatening to attack whoever was around there. This threat was experienced by the apostle Peter when he wanted to meet Jesus by walking on the water which was being controlled by this evil power. Jesus himself stepped on, trampled on it and walked to the direction of the apostles. He was on his way to bring calm and peace to His apostles who were so terrified by the threat. If the experience of Peter and the other apostles at sea, the prophet Elijah's experience was on land, on mountains and especially in the cave of the rock. The evil power also threatened the holy prophet. There were three signs of Satan's power and evil spirit, namely hurricane, earthquake and fire. All were tempting and trying to destroy Elijah, but this holy and most faithful prophet paid no attention to those temptations of the evil one. At last he was able to meet the Lord in a gentle breeze, and he was given by God a mission for his own people. The Lord is indeed our peace. Both Peter and Elijah ended up going through serious trials in order to meet God. It is precisely when big and terrible threats indeed come to attack, the Lord Jesus comes for our rescue and gives us strength so that we can fight them with confidence. If we lose the faith, courage, and power that have been given to us, we will fall and perish. The storm of evil threatens us indefinitely, because the evil power has his own wills that we never expect. Therefore we must stay alert and grow better in our faith. According to our readings today, Satan or the evil spirit threatens us both when someone is alone like Elijah or when we are enjoying togetherness like the apostles of Jesus. This threat can strike us while praying like Elijah or when we are working like the apostles in their boat. In whatever situation and time as the threat comes, we must live with God's commandments, namely stepping on it and trample on it, so that we can walk freely and in peace. According to Saint Paul, we do that only for the glory of God. Let's pray. In the name of ... O most loving Father, may this Sunday celebration strengthen our faith and make us more obedient to Your will. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name of the Father ... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/media-la-porta/message

In this weeks podcast episode Stephanie welcomes guests Kamesh Peter Iocovello and Paul Newell (bios below) in a lively conversation about what it means to access the masculine & feminine energy, and how it can bring us peace, harmony and prosperity.   During this time of uncertainty as we continue to navigate the covid pandemic, the wisdom shared here is priceless. Both Peter and Paul are honest and real in talking about dealing with everything from emotions and surrendering to feeling the need to be the providers and forcing life.   Both give incredibly timely insights (allow...lean in...patience...self-love) to support you and your loved ones navigating this gap.   Kamesh Peter Iocovello is a Yoga Acharya Teacher, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Educator with over 20 years of experience in bodywork and wellness. Peter is also Co-Founder of Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary, a holistic spa and wellness center. Contact: IG @kamesh.peter.iocovello   Paul Newell is a Change Agent who works with men to create what they want in their lives. Contact: IG @newellnessguide

We talk fairly often about how forgetful we are. How we forget about the things we should remember, but also as we have a tendency to remember the things we should forget. God is so aware of our forgetfulness that he’s made a way for us not just to remember, but also for us to be reminded. He’s given us His word to hide it in our heart reminding us of His character and the Holy Spirit to live in us to remind us of His word. He gave Israel the festivals so they could remember what He had done and to remind them of the promises that were still going to be fulfilled. He told Joshua to set up stones of remembrance so they can be reminded and then teach the next generations of how God had all that He promised that He would do in their lives and for them. Moses instructed Israel to teach their children and talk with each other about God’s law, even write it on the doorposts of their houses and wear it on the frontlet between their eyes. Both Peter and Paul wrote that it was not a difficulty, but a joy to remind God’s people of God’s truth. Peter went so far as to say, “I will refresh your memory as long as I live.” Forgetfulness is only a weakness if we have no one willing to remind us of what we need to remember. What if our forgetfulness is just one more opportunity for us to depend upon God? What if it’s just more opportunity for us to trust Him and discover how much value He has placed upon us? In this week’s sermon, Pastor Abie Kulynych explores what it means to be “Remembered” by God.

How can we have joy in hard times?  Both Peter and Paul will help us understand. 

A career as an artist is not always all about making art, for some people it is also about making artists, teaching your skills to others so that they can make art too. It isn't for everyone, some see it as a chore and if that's the case then better to steer clear of it because you are unlikely to be a good teacher. However teaching can be immensely rewarding, financially, emotionally and in terms of what you as a teacher may learn from your students and from the process of unpicking your practice to teach it. Both Peter and Laura teach, having included it in their businesses for many years, alongside making art, both enjoy the challenge it brings. Today they talk about their experiences and how making teaching a part of your business can be more than just an additional revenue stream.

This week starts off a little somber, as LA lost one of their heroes, Kobe Bryant. Both Peter and I are fans of Kobe, Peter more so, and it was a little difficult to get this episode edited, without us addressing the tragedy. With that said, we hope you enjoy the rest of the episode. Thank you for your continued support, we love you all.  Music courtesy of Spotovsky part of Black Marble Collective, follow them belowSpotovsky: https://soundcloud.com/SpotovskyBlack Marble Collective: https://www.BlackMarbleCollective.comAs always if you are new to our podcast, please rate, subscribe and follow us onFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicsRevisitedPodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classics_revisited/

WOW Word - Living Water the WOW Word Government!   Download the audio and discover more about the WOW Word: Government In the UK, when we have a General Election, that is where people vote for their political representatives. After all the votes are counted there will be a government elected! This of course, is not unique to the UK! All people all over the world live under some from of leadership or government.  That government may be democratically elected, a monarchy or even an oppressive dictatorship.  Whatever kind of government we find ourselves with, we have one!  If there was not a government in place, as hard as it is to imagine, total chaos would reign and people would just do whatever pleases them, regardless of consequences and regardless of other people.  Therefore, regardless of whatever government we live under, what does the Bible say should be our reaction and attitude to the government.  By government, I mean all levels of government and authority - from local authority to federal government.  But first of all, lets look at what the Bible has to say about the function of human government, before going on to look at our responsibility to Government and our community. The Function of Human Government Paul writing in Romans 13 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour." Here Paul indicates that there are at least three functions of a human government: protection, punishment and promotion. Protection: From the moment Adam sinned, it was plainly obvious that human civilizations would need some form of restraint and law, in order to protect their citizens - form themselves and others.  We see this clearly in Acts 21, where the Roman soldiers step in to save Paul from being killed by other people in Jerusalem.  Punishment: Paul stipulates that duly appointed government officials and servants are to be considered as servants of God (even if they don't believe in God!)  Promotion: Human government, as thought by Paul, was to promote the broad-spectrum welfare of all the community and not just select groups, where its laws are in effect.   Christian Response to Human Government   Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-3 writes: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour," The Apostle Peter goes further when writing in 1 Peter 2v13-17 "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honour the king." From these passages of Scripture we see that it is clearly impossible to be simultaneously a solid Christian and a poor citizen.  As Christians we have responsibilities to our government. Firstly we have a responsibility to recognize and acknowledge that God ordains the Government. We see that from Paul's writing in Romans 13 and Paul was writing when the Emperor Nero was in power and systematically persecuting and torturing Christians!  We also see this thinking in the passage from 1 Peter. There is no authority except as given by God.  Even to the most sadistic, dictatorial or atheist governments - they have power only because God has allowed them.  So we are to obey our government!  But it is not to be slavish obedience regardless of what laws are decreed! No!   The exception to this is where obedience to the Government would require the Christian to actively or passively disobey God.  For we read in Acts 4v18-20 that the believer is to live in obedience to God rather than man. Secondly, as much as we probably hate to, we are commanded to pay taxes to the government!  For by doing so, the government can set about ensuring, for example, that the weaker and more vulnerable sections of the community are cared for and protected! Thirdly, and quite possibly, most importantly, Christians are to pray for their leaders, governments and those in authority!  Both Peter and Paul command and recommend it!  To pray for them is to love them and it is also a way for God to shine into the lives of people.  One of the things we are to pray for, is that the government governs righteously, honourably, honestly and with integrity. The Christian, as a citizen, is free to be law-abiding, conscious that they are under submission to Almighty God. It also means giving respect to all members of society from the lowest to the highest!  As Christians, we are to submit ourselves to our Government and be living lives worthy of the Gospel of Christ. This may indeed win some for God, win the recognition of their government as well as influencing Government policy and law.  Whatever government you find yourself under, pray for your leaders even if you thoroughly disagree with some or all of their actions.  They are in power, only because our God has allowed them.  They will answer to Him one day for what they have done with the power given to them by God alone.  God is in control, and He is on the ultimate throne and is the definitive power!   Community Responsibility But just as we have responsibility to our Government, we also have a responsibility for those in our community - both local and global.  We are also to work for social justice and be involved in social action - that's part of our loving of other people.  The oppression and persecution of people is to be anathema to us as Christians, just as it is to our God!  Where a minority is maltreated and discriminated we should be at the forefront of demanding justice for all!  We are to be promoting civil rights and using all aspects of the law to do so.  We are to be working to ensure the poorest members of our community, both local and global, are cared for and the oppressed freed! In your country, this could mean peaceful demonstrations and interacting with your political representatives!  Look at some of the great reformers or social activists of the past: Wilberforce helping to abolish slavery; or Martin Luther King Jr. at the forefront of ending segregation and racism.  May each one of us, on both a local and international scale, play some small part in ending prejudice, suffering, racism, poverty, bigotry, abuse, oppression and other injustices.  As John Stott once said: "The reason for our acceptance of social responsibility... is simple uncomplicated compassion.  Love has no need to justify itself. It merely expresses itself in service wherever it sees need." As Jesus of Nazareth once said: "Love God and love other people." Some questions to help your thinking! In what way can I influence and encourage my government to promote justice, free the oppressed and take care of the poor? How can I help my government authorities to protect, punish and promote? When was the last time I actively prayed for those in authority over me, whether Christian or secular? Thank you. ~ Right mouse click or tap here to download this as a mp3 file   You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

Government   In the UK, when we have a General Election, that is where people vote for their political representatives. After al the votes are counted there will be a government elected! This of course, is not unique to the UK! All people all over the world live under some from of leadership or government.  That government may be democratically elected, a monarchy or even an oppressive dictatorship.  Whatever kind of government we find ourselves with, we have one!  If there was not a government in place, as hard as it is to imagine, total chaos would reign and people would just do whatever pleases them, regardless of consequences and regardless of other people.  Therefore, regardless of whatever government we live under, what does the Bible say should be our reaction and attitude to the government.  By government, I mean all levels of government and authority - from local authority to federal government.  But first of all, lets look at what the Bible has to say about the function of human government, before going on to look at our responsibility to Government and our community. The Function of Human Government Paul writing in Romans 13 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour." Here Paul indicates that there are at least three functions of a human government: protection, punishment and promotion. Protection: From the moment Adam sinned, it was plainly obvious that human civilizations would need some form of restraint and law, in order to protect their citizens - form themselves and others.  We see this clearly in Acts 21, where the Roman soldiers step in to save Paul from being killed by other people in Jerusalem.  Punishment: Paul stipulates that duly appointed government officials and servants are to be considered as servants of God (even if they don't believe in God!)  Promotion: Human government, as thought by Paul, was to promote the broad-spectrum welfare of all the community and not just select groups, where its laws are in effect.   Christian Response to Human Government   Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-3 writes: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour," The Apostle Peter goes further when writing in 1 Peter 2v13-17 "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honour the king." From these passages of Scripture we see that it is clearly impossible to be simultaneously a solid Christian and a poor citizen.  As Christians we have responsibilities to our government. Firstly we have a responsibility to recognize and acknowledge that God ordains the Government. We see that from Paul's writing in Romans 13 and Paul was writing when the Emperor Nero was in power and systematically persecuting and torturing Christians!  We also see this thinking in the passage from 1 Peter. There is no authority except as given by God.  Even to the most sadistic, dictatorial or atheist governments - they have power only because God has allowed them.  So we are to obey our government!  But it is not to be slavish obedience regardless of what laws are decreed! No!   The exception to this is where obedience to the Government would require the Christian to actively or passively disobey God.  For we read in Acts 4v18-20 that the believer is to live in obedience to God rather than man. Secondly, as much as we probably hate to, we are commanded to pay taxes to the government!  For by doing so, the government can set about ensuring, for example, that the weaker and more vulnerable sections of the community are cared for and protected! Thirdly, and quite possibly, most importantly, Christians are to pray for their leaders, governments and those in authority!  Both Peter and Paul command and recommend it!  To pray for them is to love them and it is also a way for God to shine into the lives of people.  One of the things we are to pray for, is that the government governs righteously, honourably, honestly and with integrity. The Christian, as a citizen, is free to be law-abiding, conscious that they are under submission to Almighty God. It also means giving respect to all members of society from the lowest to the highest!  As Christians, we are to submit ourselves to our Government and be living lives worthy of the Gospel of Christ. This may indeed win some for God, win the recognition of their government as well as influencing Government policy and law.  Whatever government you find yourself under, pray for your leaders even if you thoroughly disagree with some or all of their actions.  They are in power, only because our God has allowed them.  They will answer to Him one day for what they have done with the power given to them by God alone.  God is in control, and He is on the ultimate throne and is the definitive power!   Community Responsibility But just as we have responsibility to our Government, we also have a responsibility for those in our community - both local and global.  We are also to work for social justice and be involved in social action - that's part of our loving of other people.  The oppression and persecution of people is to be anathema to us as Christians, just as it is to our God!  Where a minority is maltreated and discriminated we should be at the forefront of demanding justice for all!  We are to be promoting civil rights and using all aspects of the law to do so.  We are to be working to ensure the poorest members of our community, both local and global, are cared for and the oppressed freed! In your country, this could mean peaceful demonstrations and interacting with your political representatives!  Look at some of the great reformers or social activists of the past: Wilberforce helping to abolish slavery; or Martin Luther King Jr. at the forefront of ending segregation and racism.  May each one of us, on both a local and international scale, play some small part in ending prejudice, suffering, racism, poverty, bigotry, abuse, oppression and other injustices.  As John Stott once said: "The reason for our acceptance of social responsibility... is simple uncomplicated compassion.  Love has no need to justify itself. It merely expresses itself in service wherever it sees need." As Jesus of Nazareth once said: "Love God and love other people." Some questions to help your thinking! In what way can I influence and encourage my government to promote justice, free the oppressed and take care of the poor? How can I help my government authorities to protect, punish and promote? When was the last time I actively prayed for those in authority over me, whether Christian or secular? Thank you. Right mouse click to save/download this audio Podcast as a MP3 file   You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

Peter Nguyen is the founder and CEO of Ad Exchange Group, based in Irvine. It is a leading direct-to-consumer digital performance-based agency, reaching $100M in revenue in less than 2 years in business.  Both Peter and the company have received many awards for growth and entrepreneurship from people like Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Ernst & Young, and the Orange County Business Journal.He’s also the founder and CEO of Push Innovation, a leading logistics and service provider to direct-to-consumer brands.  Push has over 100 employees and ships tens of thousands of products every day.  Another of his ventures, Chargeback360, is also growing rapidly.I'll speculate and say that Peter was born an entrepreneur, as he started a web design and development firm while he was still in college in Florida many years ago.  He’s started a number of businesses, including an educational one to help others launch their own product or service online. Baylor University adopted it as a class and it's been a student favorite there for many years.  He’s been here in Orange County for about 10 years and has done business all over the world.Enjoy some amazing stories, perspective, wisdom and advice from Peter!

It's the Rock and the Rockstar representing in this episode as Mo has earned himself some good time off. As has become tradition, when there's only two thirds of the furnace present Both Peter and Robert took turns in the hot seat. We then went on to talk about the bible and what or who we would have to add to it if such things were possible... (We don't believe the bible needs adding to! Just playing around with the idea :D) Peter had two hookups today, both podcasts, the first being a podcast that looks to present the need for God in today's society. Its called Vital signs, check it out here https://www.rzim.org/listen/vital-signs The second being a new podcast by the lovely Myriam Osei that gives an insight into personal stories of salvation. Check out her podcast here https://open.spotify.com/show/1T2VjLOKgMixztcPTBV1z0?si=83grxHYLQ26MRmBTPZNzvw Robert suggested checking out a YouTube channel called tldr news, they provide bite sized summaries of all things politics in the UK check them out here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSMqateX8OA2s1wsOR2EgJA We hope you enjoy the episode and if you do please let us know in the comments and let your friends know by sharing, and if you don't, please let us know in the comments and let your friends know by sharing. We're big believers in the "win-win" Take care and stay blessed. Special thanks to RUDE (@itsrudeboy) for the intro and outro music. And to Calvin A Turner founder of Torra Media (facebook , @torramedia) and digital designer extraordinaire for TheOrdinaryAmazing.com logo design.

Both Peter and Mary Magdalene reveal how Christ's resurrection transforms our human weakness and empowers us for service in the world.  We, too, are called to receive the grace of Easter into our hearts as the Lord takes the gift of our lives and equips us to proclaim the Good News. April 23, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We are born again to go out and serve. Also, to have a zeal and excitement when we serve. Peter had a lot of zeal for going out and serving the Lord. We are valuable to God but sometimes before we are valuable we have to be humbled first. This happened with Peter. Peter overcame that with God’s leading and even led him to be involved in some miracles such as Tabitha. Tabitha was a joyful servant and did what she could for the Lord but became sick and died, but when Peter came in the room. Once he was in the room he made everyone leave the room to pray over Tabitha and after that he told her to arise and she did. With that many believed in the Lord. Both Peter and Tabitha were joyful workers of the Lord. Just as they were joyful workers we should be as well. Please join Pastor Scheving as he preaches on “The Joyful Christian Worker.”

Both Peter and Stefano vowed to return for the women that they loved. Laura was found on a bench in the park on Christmas Day. Kristen worried about whether Laura would remember anything. The Hortons hung their ornaments and sang carols. Everyone in Salem put their problems aside for Christmas.

Join @JasperColeSays for a fascinating discussion with multi-gifted intuitive Peter Anthony aka "The Accidental Prophet". Both Peter and Jasper share intimate details about their absolutely incredible NDEs (Near Death Experience) and how their lives have never been the same after such a traumatic experience. Challenged by the recovery process and plagued by the uncertainty of "Who will believe me?", "Am I target?", "Why did I survive and what's my mission?" years have passed and both men have come to peace with their NDE. Now guided by the signs of the universe and their fine-tuned intuition, both Peter and Jasper share their profound wisdom and insights on life. Questions are explored such as: "Is there life after death and what is the process of "dying"? "What's a life review and are we judged for our actions or inaction?" "Why is 1111 and other number sequences significant?", "Do past loved ones visit us in our dreams?", "Why is gratitude so important in life?" "Does reincarnation exist?" 'What can we learn spiritually from our current political climate?" Press play now and find out many answers to life's mysterious questions in this deeply authentic and enlightening interview.Bio: Peter Anthony is a producer, International Psychic and Paranormal Investigator, author of Key Master and a Numerology Life Coach. Peter’s book, Key Master, inspired by his own NDE, has been recently inducted into the Edgar Cayce Library, and is under development for a film. His book tour across the world promotes the International Association of Near Death Studies, and has propelled him to becoming a defining speaker for Near Death Experiences. theaccidentalprophet.com

This week on MIA Radio, we discuss the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists representation on a Government-led review of Prescribed Drug Dependence. Professor Sami Timimi, a fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatry, and 30 other mental health experts, have formally asked the College to ‘replace Professor David Baldwin as its representative on The Expert Reference Group of Public Health England’s Review of Prescribed Medicines, with an RCPsych member who is not compromised by conflicts of interest with the pharmaceutical industry’. In this podcast, we hear from Professor Timimi, Psychiatrist Peter Gordon and campaigner Stevie Lewis. Both Peter and Stevie are people who have experienced withdrawal effects from antidepressant drugs. Conflicts of Interest Questioned in Royal College of Psychiatry’s Participation in Government-Led Mental Health Medication Review August 17, 2018 From: James Moore, antidepressant withdrawal sufferer, on behalf of the 30 other signatories to today’s letter.   London, UK – A fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatry, and 30 other mental health experts, have today formally asked the College to ‘replace Professor David Baldwin as its representative on The Expert Reference Group of Public Health England’s Review of Prescribed Medicines, with an RCPsych member who is not compromised by conflicts of interest with the pharmaceutical industry’. The Public Health England review1 was set up to examine a growing problem with patients becoming dependent on psychiatric drugs including antidepressants. In the UK, four million people are long-term antidepressant users2, with many of those unable to come off their drugs without debilitating and protracted withdrawal symptoms. Signatories to the complaint include 10 people whose withdrawal experiences have lasted between one and ten years, plus 11 psychiatrists and 8 mental health professors. In the Public Health England (2018) document ‘PMR ERG members declarations of interest’, Prof­essor Baldwin reports having received ‘personal honoraria for lecture engagements organised by AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly Ltd, Glaxo-SmithKline, Janssen, H. Lundbeck A/S, Pharmacia, Pierre Fabre, Pfizer Ltd, Servier, and Wyeth Ltd’. In addition, he reports attendance at advisory boards of five companies and research funding from twelve. The signatories are worried that he could be unduly influenced by the large number of pharmaceutical manufacturers he has received income from. This concern is exacerbated by Professor Baldwin’s having already publicly minimised the withdrawal effects of antidepressants (Times 24.2.18), which was described as ‘misleading’ the public in the House of Lords3and led to a formal complaint against him4. Lead author of the letter, psychiatrist Professor Sami Timimi, a fellow of the Royal College, said: “DESPITE THE INCREASED AWARENESS OF THE PERNICIOUS INFLUENCE OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY IN ALL SPHERES OF MENTAL HEALTH, THE RCPSYCH DOES NOT APPEAR TROUBLED BY THE POTENTIAL FOR MISLEADING THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY AND THE PUBLIC AND SOILING THE GOOD NAME OF THE PROFESSION OF PSYCHIATRY. WE FEEL THE NEED TO MAKE PUBLIC OUR OPPOSITION TO SOMEONE SO CONNECTED WITH THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY BEING THE RCPSYCH’S REPRESENTATIVE ON A PUBLIC BODY APPOINTED WITH THE TASK OF WORKING FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD.” Another signatory, psychiatrist Dr Peter Gordon said: “EVIDENCE HAS REPEATEDLY FOUND THAT COMPETING FINANCIAL INTERESTS CAN LEAD TO DOCTORS RECOMMENDING WORSE TREATMENTS FOR PATIENTS5. IN THE UK, THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY SPENDS OVER £40 MILLION A YEAR ON DOCTORS AND ACADEMICS WHO MARKET AND PROMOTE THEIR PRODUCTS6. I HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATING WITH MY COLLEGE FOR MANY YEARS ON THIS, YET IT REMAINS THE CASE THAT THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS STILL HAS NO SINGLE, SEARCHABLE REGISTER THAT RECORDS FULL DETAILS OF INDUSTRY PAYMENTS MADE TO ITS MEMBERS. IT IS THEREFORE IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE THE SCALE OF PAYMENTS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MADE TO COLLEGE MEMBERS WHO ARE INVOLVED IN DEVELOPING POLICIES AND GUIDELINES OR EDUCATING ON THE PRESCRIBING OF PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS.” Antidepressant withdrawal sufferer James Moore, also a signatory, said: “THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE LIKE ME, WHO HAVE FOUND THEMSELVES IN SEVERE DIFFICULTY AFTER TRYING TO COME OFF PRESCRIBED ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS. IN ORDER TO PROPERLY INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE, IT IS VITAL THAT THE INFLUENCE OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS IS NOT ALLOWED TO CORRUPT AN EVIDENCE-BASED AND HONEST APPRAISAL OF A PROBLEM POTENTIALLY AFFECTING MILLIONS OF PSYCHIATRIC DRUG USERS.” References 1. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/prescribed-medicines-an-evidence-review 2. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/aug/10/four-million-people-in-england-are-long-term-users-of-antidepressants 3. http://bit.ly/2BgyzxX 4. https://www.madinamerica.com/2018/07/30-mental-health-experts-write-secretary-state-unprofessional-conduct-uk-royal-college-psychiatry/ 5. http://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000352 6. https://www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.k1380 © Mad in America 2018

The Twelve Apostles 139:0.1 (1548.1) IT IS an eloquent testimony to the charm and righteousness of Jesus’ earth life that, although he repeatedly dashed to pieces the hopes of his apostles and tore to shreds their every ambition for personal exaltation, only one deserted him. 139:0.2 (1548.2) The apostles learned from Jesus about the kingdom of heaven, and Jesus learned much from them about the kingdom of men, human nature as it lives on Urantia and on the other evolutionary worlds of time and space. These twelve men represented many different types of human temperament, and they had not been made alike by schooling. Many of these Galilean fishermen carried heavy strains of gentile blood as a result of the forcible conversion of the gentile population of Galilee one hundred years previously. 139:0.3 (1548.3) Do not make the mistake of regarding the apostles as being altogether ignorant and unlearned. All of them, except the Alpheus twins, were graduates of the synagogue schools, having been thoroughly trained in the Hebrew scriptures and in much of the current knowledge of that day. Seven were graduates of the Capernaum synagogue schools, and there were no better Jewish schools in all Galilee. 139:0.4 (1548.4) When your records refer to these messengers of the kingdom as being “ignorant and unlearned,” it was intended to convey the idea that they were laymen, unlearned in the lore of the rabbis and untrained in the methods of rabbinical interpretation of the Scriptures. They were lacking in so-called higher education. In modern times they would certainly be considered uneducated, and in some circles of society even uncultured. One thing is certain: They had not all been put through the same rigid and stereotyped educational curriculum. From adolescence on they had enjoyed separate experiences of learning how to live. 1. Andrew, the First Chosen 139:1.1 (1548.5) Andrew, chairman of the apostolic corps of the kingdom, was born in Capernaum. He was the oldest child in a family of five — himself, his brother Simon, and three sisters. His father, now dead, had been a partner of Zebedee in the fish-drying business at Bethsaida, the fishing harbor of Capernaum. When he became an apostle, Andrew was unmarried but made his home with his married brother, Simon Peter. Both were fishermen and partners of James and John the sons of Zebedee. 139:1.2 (1548.6) In A.D. 26, the year he was chosen as an apostle, Andrew was 33, a full year older than Jesus and the oldest of the apostles. He sprang from an excellent line of ancestors and was the ablest man of the twelve. Excepting oratory, he was the peer of his associates in almost every imaginable ability. Jesus never gave Andrew a nickname, a fraternal designation. But even as the apostles soon began to call Jesus Master, so they also designated Andrew by a term the equivalent of Chief. 139:1.3 (1549.1) Andrew was a good organizer but a better administrator. He was one of the inner circle of four apostles, but his appointment by Jesus as the head of the apostolic group made it necessary for him to remain on duty with his brethren while the other three enjoyed very close communion with the Master. To the very end Andrew remained dean of the apostolic corps. 139:1.4 (1549.2) Although Andrew was never an effective preacher, he was an efficient personal worker, being the pioneer missionary of the kingdom in that, as the first chosen apostle, he immediately brought to Jesus his brother, Simon, who subsequently became one of the greatest preachers of the kingdom. Andrew was the chief supporter of Jesus’ policy of utilizing the program of personal work as a means of training the twelve as messengers of the kingdom. 139:1.5 (1549.3) Whether Jesus privately taught the apostles or preached to the multitude, Andrew was usually conversant with what was going on; he was an understanding executive and an efficient administrator. He rendered a prompt decision on every matter brought to his notice unless he deemed the problem one beyond the domain of his authority, in which event he would take it straight to Jesus. 139:1.6 (1549.4) Andrew and Peter were very unlike in character and temperament, but it must be recorded everlastingly to their credit that they got along together splendidly. Andrew was never jealous of Peter’s oratorical ability. Not often will an older man of Andrew’s type be observed exerting such a profound influence over a younger and talented brother. Andrew and Peter never seemed to be in the least jealous of each other’s abilities or achievements. Late on the evening of the day of Pentecost, when, largely through the energetic and inspiring preaching of Peter, two thousand souls were added to the kingdom, Andrew said to his brother: “I could not do that, but I am glad I have a brother who could.” To which Peter replied: “And but for your bringing me to the Master and by your steadfastness keeping me with him, I should not have been here to do this.” Andrew and Peter were the exceptions to the rule, proving that even brothers can live together peaceably and work together effectively. 139:1.7 (1549.5) After Pentecost Peter was famous, but it never irritated the older Andrew to spend the rest of his life being introduced as “Simon Peter’s brother.” 139:1.8 (1549.6) Of all the apostles, Andrew was the best judge of men. He knew that trouble was brewing in the heart of Judas Iscariot even when none of the others suspected that anything was wrong with their treasurer; but he told none of them his fears. Andrew’s great service to the kingdom was in advising Peter, James, and John concerning the choice of the first missionaries who were sent out to proclaim the gospel, and also in counseling these early leaders about the organization of the administrative affairs of the kingdom. Andrew had a great gift for discovering the hidden resources and latent talents of young people. 139:1.9 (1549.7) Very soon after Jesus’ ascension on high, Andrew began the writing of a personal record of many of the sayings and doings of his departed Master. After Andrew’s death other copies of this private record were made and circulated freely among the early teachers of the Christian church. These informal notes of Andrew’s were subsequently edited, amended, altered, and added to until they made up a fairly consecutive narrative of the Master’s life on earth. The last of these few altered and amended copies was destroyed by fire at Alexandria about one hundred years after the original was written by the first chosen of the twelve apostles. 139:1.10 (1550.1) Andrew was a man of clear insight, logical thought, and firm decision, whose great strength of character consisted in his superb stability. His temperamental handicap was his lack of enthusiasm; he many times failed to encourage his associates by judicious commendation. And this reticence to praise the worthy accomplishments of his friends grew out of his abhorrence of flattery and insincerity. Andrew was one of those all-round, even-tempered, self-made, and successful men of modest affairs. 139:1.11 (1550.2) Every one of the apostles loved Jesus, but it remains true that each of the twelve was drawn toward him because of some certain trait of personality which made a special appeal to the individual apostle. Andrew admired Jesus because of his consistent sincerity, his unaffected dignity. When men once knew Jesus, they were possessed with the urge to share him with their friends; they really wanted all the world to know him. 139:1.12 (1550.3) When the later persecutions finally scattered the apostles from Jerusalem, Andrew journeyed through Armenia, Asia Minor, and Macedonia and, after bringing many thousands into the kingdom, was finally apprehended and crucified in Patrae in Achaia. It was two full days before this robust man expired on the cross, and throughout these tragic hours he continued effectively to proclaim the glad tidings of the salvation of the kingdom of heaven. 2. Simon Peter 139:2.1 (1550.4) When Simon joined the apostles, he was thirty years of age. He was married, had three children, and lived at Bethsaida, near Capernaum. His brother, Andrew, and his wife’s mother lived with him. Both Peter and Andrew were fisher partners of the sons of Zebedee. 139:2.2 (1550.5) The Master had known Simon for some time before Andrew presented him as the second of the apostles. When Jesus gave Simon the name Peter, he did it with a smile; it was to be a sort of nickname. Simon was well known to all his friends as an erratic and impulsive fellow. True, later on, Jesus did attach a new and significant import to this lightly bestowed nickname. 139:2.3 (1550.6) Simon Peter was a man of impulse, an optimist. He had grown up permitting himself freely to indulge strong feelings; he was constantly getting into difficulties because he persisted in speaking without thinking. This sort of thoughtlessness also made incessant trouble for all of his friends and associates and was the cause of his receiving many mild rebukes from his Master. The only reason Peter did not get into more trouble because of his thoughtless speaking was that he very early learned to talk over many of his plans and schemes with his brother, Andrew, before he ventured to make public proposals. 139:2.4 (1550.7) Peter was a fluent speaker, eloquent and dramatic. He was also a natural and inspirational leader of men, a quick thinker but not a deep reasoner. He asked many questions, more than all the apostles put together, and while the majority of these questions were good and relevant, many of them were thoughtless and foolish. Peter did not have a deep mind, but he knew his mind fairly well. He was therefore a man of quick decision and sudden action. While others talked in their astonishment at seeing Jesus on the beach, Peter jumped in and swam ashore to meet the Master. 139:2.5 (1551.1) The one trait which Peter most admired in Jesus was his supernal tenderness. Peter never grew weary of contemplating Jesus’ forbearance. He never forgot the lesson about forgiving the wrongdoer, not only seven times but seventy times and seven. He thought much about these impressions of the Master’s forgiving character during those dark and dismal days immediately following his thoughtless and unintended denial of Jesus in the high priest’s courtyard. 139:2.6 (1551.2) Simon Peter was distressingly vacillating; he would suddenly swing from one extreme to the other. First he refused to let Jesus wash his feet and then, on hearing the Master’s reply, begged to be washed all over. But, after all, Jesus knew that Peter’s faults were of the head and not of the heart. He was one of the most inexplicable combinations of courage and cowardice that ever lived on earth. His great strength of character was loyalty, friendship. Peter really and truly loved Jesus. And yet despite this towering strength of devotion he was so unstable and inconstant that he permitted a servant girl to tease him into denying his Lord and Master. Peter could withstand persecution and any other form of direct assault, but he withered and shrank before ridicule. He was a brave soldier when facing a frontal attack, but he was a fear-cringing coward when surprised with an assault from the rear. 139:2.7 (1551.3) Peter was the first of Jesus’ apostles to come forward to defend the work of Philip among the Samaritans and Paul among the gentiles; yet later on at Antioch he reversed himself when confronted by ridiculing Judaizers, temporarily withdrawing from the gentiles only to bring down upon his head the fearless denunciation of Paul. 139:2.8 (1551.4) He was the first one of the apostles to make wholehearted confession of Jesus’ combined humanity and divinity and the first — save Judas — to deny him. Peter was not so much of a dreamer, but he disliked to descend from the clouds of ecstasy and the enthusiasm of dramatic indulgence to the plain and matter-of-fact world of reality. 139:2.9 (1551.5) In following Jesus, literally and figuratively, he was either leading the procession or else trailing behind — “following afar off.” But he was the outstanding preacher of the twelve; he did more than any other one man, aside from Paul, to establish the kingdom and send its messengers to the four corners of the earth in one generation. 139:2.10 (1551.6) After his rash denials of the Master he found himself, and with Andrew’s sympathetic and understanding guidance he again led the way back to the fish nets while the apostles tarried to find out what was to happen after the crucifixion. When he was fully assured that Jesus had forgiven him and knew he had been received back into the Master’s fold, the fires of the kingdom burned so brightly within his soul that he became a great and saving light to thousands who sat in darkness. 139:2.11 (1551.7) After leaving Jerusalem and before Paul became the leading spirit among the gentile Christian churches, Peter traveled extensively, visiting all the churches from Babylon to Corinth. He even visited and ministered to many of the churches which had been raised up by Paul. Although Peter and Paul differed much in temperament and education, even in theology, they worked together harmoniously for the upbuilding of the churches during their later years. 139:2.12 (1552.1) Something of Peter’s style and teaching is shown in the sermons partially recorded by Luke and in the Gospel of Mark. His vigorous style was better shown in his letter known as the First Epistle of Peter; at least this was true before it was subsequently altered by a disciple of Paul. 139:2.13 (1552.2) But Peter persisted in making the mistake of trying to convince the Jews that Jesus was, after all, really and truly the Jewish Messiah. Right up to the day of his death, Simon Peter continued to suffer confusion in his mind between the concepts of Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, Christ as the world’s redeemer, and the Son of Man as the revelation of God, the loving Father of all mankind. 139:2.14 (1552.3) Peter’s wife was a very able woman. For years she labored acceptably as a member of the women’s corps, and when Peter was driven out of Jerusalem, she accompanied him upon all his journeys to the churches as well as on all his missionary excursions. And the day her illustrious husband yielded up his life, she was thrown to the wild beasts in the arena at Rome. 139:2.15 (1552.4) And so this man Peter, an intimate of Jesus, one of the inner circle, went forth from Jerusalem proclaiming the glad tidings of the kingdom with power and glory until the fullness of his ministry had been accomplished; and he regarded himself as the recipient of high honors when his captors informed him that he must die as his Master had died — on the cross. And thus was Simon Peter crucified in Rome. 3. James Zebedee 139:3.1 (1552.5) James, the older of the two apostle sons of Zebedee, whom Jesus nicknamed “sons of thunder,” was thirty years old when he became an apostle. He was married, had four children, and lived near his parents in the outskirts of Capernaum, Bethsaida. He was a fisherman, plying his calling in company with his younger brother John and in association with Andrew and Simon. James and his brother John enjoyed the advantage of having known Jesus longer than any of the other apostles. 139:3.2 (1552.6) This able apostle was a temperamental contradiction; he seemed really to possess two natures, both of which were actuated by strong feelings. He was particularly vehement when his indignation was once fully aroused. He had a fiery temper when once it was adequately provoked, and when the storm was over, he was always wont to justify and excuse his anger under the pretense that it was wholly a manifestation of righteous indignation. Except for these periodic upheavals of wrath, James’s personality was much like that of Andrew. He did not have Andrew’s discretion or insight into human nature, but he was a much better public speaker. Next to Peter, unless it was Matthew, James was the best public orator among the twelve. 139:3.3 (1552.7) Though James was in no sense moody, he could be quiet and taciturn one day and a very good talker and storyteller the next. He usually talked freely with Jesus, but among the twelve, for days at a time he was the silent man. His one great weakness was these spells of unaccountable silence. 139:3.4 (1552.8) The outstanding feature of James’s personality was his ability to see all sides of a proposition. Of all the twelve, he came the nearest to grasping the real import and significance of Jesus’ teaching. He, too, was slow at first to comprehend the Master’s meaning, but ere they had finished their training, he had acquired a superior concept of Jesus’ message. James was able to understand a wide range of human nature; he got along well with the versatile Andrew, the impetuous Peter, and his self-contained brother John. 139:3.5 (1553.1) Though James and John had their troubles trying to work together, it was inspiring to observe how well they got along. They did not succeed quite so well as Andrew and Peter, but they did much better than would ordinarily be expected of two brothers, especially such headstrong and determined brothers. But, strange as it may seem, these two sons of Zebedee were much more tolerant of each other than they were of strangers. They had great affection for one another; they had always been happy playmates. It was these “sons of thunder” who wanted to call fire down from heaven to destroy the Samaritans who presumed to show disrespect for their Master. But the untimely death of James greatly modified the vehement temperament of his younger brother John. 139:3.6 (1553.2) That characteristic of Jesus which James most admired was the Master’s sympathetic affection. Jesus’ understanding interest in the small and the great, the rich and the poor, made a great appeal to him. 139:3.7 (1553.3) James Zebedee was a well-balanced thinker and planner. Along with Andrew, he was one of the more level-headed of the apostolic group. He was a vigorous individual but was never in a hurry. He was an excellent balance wheel for Peter. 139:3.8 (1553.4) He was modest and undramatic, a daily server, an unpretentious worker, seeking no special reward when he once grasped something of the real meaning of the kingdom. And even in the story about the mother of James and John, who asked that her sons be granted places on the right hand and the left hand of Jesus, it should be remembered that it was the mother who made this request. And when they signified that they were ready to assume such responsibilities, it should be recognized that they were cognizant of the dangers accompanying the Master’s supposed revolt against the Roman power, and that they were also willing to pay the price. When Jesus asked if they were ready to drink the cup, they replied that they were. And as concerns James, it was literally true — he did drink the cup with the Master, seeing that he was the first of the apostles to experience martyrdom, being early put to death with the sword by Herod Agrippa. James was thus the first of the twelve to sacrifice his life upon the new battle line of the kingdom. Herod Agrippa feared James above all the other apostles. He was indeed often quiet and silent, but he was brave and determined when his convictions were aroused and challenged. 139:3.9 (1553.5) James lived his life to the full, and when the end came, he bore himself with such grace and fortitude that even his accuser and informer, who attended his trial and execution, was so touched that he rushed away from the scene of James’s death to join himself to the disciples of Jesus. 4. John Zebedee 139:4.1 (1553.6) When he became an apostle, John was twenty-four years old and was the youngest of the twelve. He was unmarried and lived with his parents at Bethsaida; he was a fisherman and worked with his brother James in partnership with Andrew and Peter. Both before and after becoming an apostle, John functioned as the personal agent of Jesus in dealing with the Master’s family, and he continued to bear this responsibility as long as Mary the mother of Jesus lived. 139:4.2 (1553.7) Since John was the youngest of the twelve and so closely associated with Jesus in his family affairs, he was very dear to the Master, but it cannot be truthfully said that he was “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” You would hardly suspect such a magnanimous personality as Jesus to be guilty of showing favoritism, of loving one of his apostles more than the others. The fact that John was one of the three personal aides of Jesus lent further color to this mistaken idea, not to mention that John, along with his brother James, had known Jesus longer than the others. 139:4.3 (1554.1) Peter, James, and John were assigned as personal aides to Jesus soon after they became apostles. Shortly after the selection of the twelve and at the time Jesus appointed Andrew to act as director of the group, he said to him: “And now I desire that you assign two or three of your associates to be with me and to remain by my side, to comfort me and to minister to my daily needs.” And Andrew thought best to select for this special duty the next three first-chosen apostles. He would have liked to volunteer for such a blessed service himself, but the Master had already given him his commission; so he immediately directed that Peter, James, and John attach themselves to Jesus. 139:4.4 (1554.2) John Zebedee had many lovely traits of character, but one which was not so lovely was his inordinate but usually well-concealed conceit. His long association with Jesus made many and great changes in his character. This conceit was greatly lessened, but after growing old and becoming more or less childish, this self-esteem reappeared to a certain extent, so that, when engaged in directing Nathan in the writing of the Gospel which now bears his name, the aged apostle did not hesitate repeatedly to refer to himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” In view of the fact that John came nearer to being the chum of Jesus than any other earth mortal, that he was his chosen personal representative in so many matters, it is not strange that he should have come to regard himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” since he most certainly knew he was the disciple whom Jesus so frequently trusted. 139:4.5 (1554.3) The strongest trait in John’s character was his dependability; he was prompt and courageous, faithful and devoted. His greatest weakness was this characteristic conceit. He was the youngest member of his father’s family and the youngest of the apostolic group. Perhaps he was just a bit spoiled; maybe he had been humored slightly too much. But the John of after years was a very different type of person than the self-admiring and arbitrary young man who joined the ranks of Jesus’ apostles when he was twenty-four. 139:4.6 (1554.4) Those characteristics of Jesus which John most appreciated were the Master’s love and unselfishness; these traits made such an impression on him that his whole subsequent life became dominated by the sentiment of love and brotherly devotion. He talked about love and wrote about love. This “son of thunder” became the “apostle of love”; and at Ephesus, when the aged bishop was no longer able to stand in the pulpit and preach but had to be carried to church in a chair, and when at the close of the service he was asked to say a few words to the believers, for years his only utterance was, “My little children, love one another.” 139:4.7 (1554.5) John was a man of few words except when his temper was aroused. He thought much but said little. As he grew older, his temper became more subdued, better controlled, but he never overcame his disinclination to talk; he never fully mastered this reticence. But he was gifted with a remarkable and creative imagination. 139:4.8 (1555.1) There was another side to John that one would not expect to find in this quiet and introspective type. He was somewhat bigoted and inordinately intolerant. In this respect he and James were much alike — they both wanted to call down fire from heaven on the heads of the disrespectful Samaritans. When John encountered some strangers teaching in Jesus’ name, he promptly forbade them. But he was not the only one of the twelve who was tainted with this kind of self-esteem and superiority consciousness. 139:4.9 (1555.2) John’s life was tremendously influenced by the sight of Jesus’ going about without a home as he knew how faithfully he had made provision for the care of his mother and family. John also deeply sympathized with Jesus because of his family’s failure to understand him, being aware that they were gradually withdrawing from him. This entire situation, together with Jesus’ ever deferring his slightest wish to the will of the Father in heaven and his daily life of implicit trust, made such a profound impression on John that it produced marked and permanent changes in his character, changes which manifested themselves throughout his entire subsequent life. 139:4.10 (1555.3) John had a cool and daring courage which few of the other apostles possessed. He was the one apostle who followed right along with Jesus the night of his arrest and dared to accompany his Master into the very jaws of death. He was present and near at hand right up to the last earthly hour and was found faithfully carrying out his trust with regard to Jesus’ mother and ready to receive such additional instructions as might be given during the last moments of the Master’s mortal existence. One thing is certain, John was thoroughly dependable. John usually sat on Jesus’ right hand when the twelve were at meat. He was the first of the twelve really and fully to believe in the resurrection, and he was the first to recognize the Master when he came to them on the seashore after his resurrection. 139:4.11 (1555.4) This son of Zebedee was very closely associated with Peter in the early activities of the Christian movement, becoming one of the chief supporters of the Jerusalem church. He was the right-hand support of Peter on the day of Pentecost. 139:4.12 (1555.5) Several years after the martyrdom of James, John married his brother’s widow. The last twenty years of his life he was cared for by a loving granddaughter. 139:4.13 (1555.6) John was in prison several times and was banished to the Isle of Patmos for a period of four years until another emperor came to power in Rome. Had not John been tactful and sagacious, he would undoubtedly have been killed as was his more outspoken brother James. As the years passed, John, together with James the Lord’s brother, learned to practice wise conciliation when they appeared before the civil magistrates. They found that a “soft answer turns away wrath.” They also learned to represent the church as a “spiritual brotherhood devoted to the social service of mankind” rather than as “the kingdom of heaven.” They taught loving service rather than ruling power — kingdom and king. 139:4.14 (1555.7) When in temporary exile on Patmos, John wrote the Book of Revelation, which you now have in greatly abridged and distorted form. This Book of Revelation contains the surviving fragments of a great revelation, large portions of which were lost, other portions of which were removed, subsequent to John’s writing. It is preserved in only fragmentary and adulterated form. 139:4.15 (1555.8) John traveled much, labored incessantly, and after becoming bishop of the Asia churches, settled down at Ephesus. He directed his associate, Nathan, in the writing of the so-called “Gospel according to John,” at Ephesus, when he was ninety-nine years old. Of all the twelve apostles, John Zebedee eventually became the outstanding theologian. He died a natural death at Ephesus in A.D. 103 when he was one hundred and one years of age. 5. Philip the Curious 139:5.1 (1556.1) Philip was the fifth apostle to be chosen, being called when Jesus and his first four apostles were on their way from John’s rendezvous on the Jordan to Cana of Galilee. Since he lived at Bethsaida, Philip had for some time known of Jesus, but it had not occurred to him that Jesus was a really great man until that day in the Jordan valley when he said, “Follow me.” Philip was also somewhat influenced by the fact that Andrew, Peter, James, and John had accepted Jesus as the Deliverer. 139:5.2 (1556.2) Philip was twenty-seven years of age when he joined the apostles; he had recently been married, but he had no children at this time. The nickname which the apostles gave him signified “curiosity.” Philip was always wanting to be shown. He never seemed to see very far into any proposition. He was not necessarily dull, but he lacked imagination. This lack of imagination was the great weakness of his character. He was a commonplace and matter-of-fact individual. 139:5.3 (1556.3) When the apostles were organized for service, Philip was made steward; it was his duty to see that they were at all times supplied with provisions. And he was a good steward. His strongest characteristic was his methodical thoroughness; he was both mathematical and systematic. 139:5.4 (1556.4) Philip came from a family of seven, three boys and four girls. He was next to the oldest, and after the resurrection he baptized his entire family into the kingdom. Philip’s people were fisherfolk. His father was a very able man, a deep thinker, but his mother was of a very mediocre family. Philip was not a man who could be expected to do big things, but he was a man who could do little things in a big way, do them well and acceptably. Only a few times in four years did he fail to have food on hand to satisfy the needs of all. Even the many emergency demands attendant upon the life they lived seldom found him unprepared. The commissary department of the apostolic family was intelligently and efficiently managed. 139:5.5 (1556.5) The strong point about Philip was his methodical reliability; the weak point in his make-up was his utter lack of imagination, the absence of the ability to put two and two together to obtain four. He was mathematical in the abstract but not constructive in his imagination. He was almost entirely lacking in certain types of imagination. He was the typical everyday and commonplace average man. There were a great many such men and women among the multitudes who came to hear Jesus teach and preach, and they derived great comfort from observing one like themselves elevated to an honored position in the councils of the Master; they derived courage from the fact that one like themselves had already found a high place in the affairs of the kingdom. And Jesus learned much about the way some human minds function as he so patiently listened to Philip’s foolish questions and so many times complied with his steward’s request to “be shown.” 139:5.6 (1556.6) The one quality about Jesus which Philip so continuously admired was the Master’s unfailing generosity. Never could Philip find anything in Jesus which was small, niggardly, or stingy, and he worshiped this ever-present and unfailing liberality. 139:5.7 (1557.1) There was little about Philip’s personality that was impressive. He was often spoken of as “Philip of Bethsaida, the town where Andrew and Peter live.” He was almost without discerning vision; he was unable to grasp the dramatic possibilities of a given situation. He was not pessimistic; he was simply prosaic. He was also greatly lacking in spiritual insight. He would not hesitate to interrupt Jesus in the midst of one of the Master’s most profound discourses to ask an apparently foolish question. But Jesus never reprimanded him for such thoughtlessness; he was patient with him and considerate of his inability to grasp the deeper meanings of the teaching. Jesus well knew that, if he once rebuked Philip for asking these annoying questions, he would not only wound this honest soul, but such a reprimand would so hurt Philip that he would never again feel free to ask questions. Jesus knew that on his worlds of space there were untold billions of similar slow-thinking mortals, and he wanted to encourage them all to look to him and always to feel free to come to him with their questions and problems. After all, Jesus was really more interested in Philip’s foolish questions than in the sermon he might be preaching. Jesus was supremely interested in men, all kinds of men. 139:5.8 (1557.2) The apostolic steward was not a good public speaker, but he was a very persuasive and

The Peter Dager Podcast returns with Dota's newest talent Sean "Day9" Plott who will be hosting the main event of the International at Key Arena in Seattle next week. Peter and Sean discuss a multitude of topics ranging from TI7, to understanding DOTA as a beginner, and going inside a gamer's mind. Both Peter and Sean will be present on the panel next week at The International 2017 where you can catch them talking about each and every match.

I think this passage in Acts focuses on the Big Picture as to what God is up to. Both Peter and Cornelius have wrong ideas about God and God will set them both straight with what God ultimately wants to do in this world.

This Psalm has something of David in it, but much more of Christ. It starts with expressions of devotion to God which may be applied to Christ but ends with such confidence of a resurrection, a resurrection that prevents corruption, that it must be applied to Christ and Christ alone. Both Peter in Acts 2 and Paul in Chapter 13 take note of David’s words yet speak of how they can not apply to David because his life ended in death, but the life of Jesus Christ did not.

This is the Optimization Episode. We start off by reviewing a small piece by David Brooks on the glories of middle age. Brooks makes the claim that middle age is a great departure point for big adventures because, presumably, you’ve done well and accumulated resources. Apparently to many New York Times commenters, a well-resourced midlife cannot be assumed; many have continued to struggle since the Great Recession. This reversal of fortune is interesting, Paul notes, because so many of our popular narratives show the protagonist going from strength-to-strength. There are too few failure stories in our popular imagination, perhaps because they’re uninspiring. But, the truth is many people do not succeed, as the word is commonly understood. One component of wisdom, highlighted in the Brooks article, is compassion - a necessary perspective in a world where not everyone makes it. During the discussion, Pete observes that “knowledge can be read; wisdom has to be lived.” There are plenty of self-help gurus peddling shortcuts to good-living, but Paul remains skeptical. After watching “A Day in the Life of Tim Ferriss” both men have a reaction. Ironically, Pete sounds the more American, explaining “failure as a path to success.” Paul has a cooler response, searching for the old quip that at least “Mussolini made the trains run on time.” Both Peter and Paul agree, however, that “optimization theory” has been hijacked from the corporate world to mixed effect: some things aren’t meant to be productive. It’s particularly disconcerting/hilarious when this type of thinking is applied to relationships, or in the realm of “soft skills.” Pete jests that “The 4-Hour Girlfriend” may not be a best-seller. Paul holds up his family in France who enjoy Parisian life, sail in the South of France and eat exceptional food, all without subscribing to the optimization mania that has gripped the U.S. (and to a lesser degree, England). The guys get serious for a moment discussing contradiction in Hamlet and the themes in Milan Kundera’s Unbearable Lightness of Being (if one travels under tremendous burden, does that make life sweeter?) before returning to their usual convoluted banter. Paul concludes by saying that optimization presupposes an outcome, but from his view many of these so called “gurus” don’t have a credible vision of their future, at least not one he can see.

Naturopathy, Hormones, Over-Training, Birth-Control --- Help the Wide Angle Podium Podcast Network with a Donation and get access to awesome Bonus Content -  This Week Molly talks to Lia Sonnenburg about her Naturopathy practice in Collingwood, Ontario. Lia works with clients ranging from elite athletes to new moms. Both Peter and Molly have used Naturopathy in the past and hope you enjoy learning about the discipline.  - 

Joanna Penn discusses what it takes to be successful in the publishing industry today and the future to come, and what an important role editors play in that success. This was an excellent show. Both Peter and I are grateful to have such an incredible thought leader in our industry take the time to share her philosophies with us. Listen to this episode; you'll be glad you did. http://www.thebookeditorshow.com/the-secret-to-emotionally-connect-with-your-reader/

Both Peter and Mary Magdalene are transformed by the power of the resurrection: Peter, formerly bound by fear, is now on fire to spread the Good News; Mary, overcome by sorrow, is now filled with joy.  What in our life needs to be touched by the power of Christ's resurrection?  How can Easter transforms our lives today? March 29, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

Peter Collins and Dr. Pepper Denman, both with Premaitha Health, spoke with Phillips Kuhl of CHI on October 30. Both Peter and Pepper will be speaking at CHI’s Third Annual Advances in Prenatal Molecular Diagnostics conference, taking place in Boston on November 16-18. Topics covered in the podcast include perspectives on the differences between the U.S. and European markets for cell-free DNA prenatal testing, including the pros and cons of conducting such testing in-house compared to sending samples out for testing by a service provider. Premaitha’s position regarding whether or not to extend testing to sub-chromosomal genetic aberrations, specifically micro-deletions, is also addressed. For more information, visit http://www.HealthTech.com/Prenatal-Diagnostics/

1 Peter 1:6–7 says that genuine faith is more valuable than gold that has been purified by fire. Both Peter and James tell us to rejoice when trials come our way, because God is producing faith and patience in us. But it is not the troubles of life that are the test of faith, because everyone (with or without faith) has troubles. So what is the test of faith? Listen and find out.

The difference between Charismatic Leadership and Inspirational Leadership may seem subtle. A leader can be charismatic and inspire others. It also works the other way too. But Inspirational Leadership is focused more on the greater good, whereas as the Charismatic Leader is more inwardly focused on himself. Our guest today is Peter Docker who is colleagues with Best Selling Author, Simon Sinek. Both Peter and Simon are spreading a message around the world to inspire people to be extraordinary and to do work that is significant. This interview is filled with wisdom and insights on being authentic and real. Join me by listening to this episode. Get the show notes for 133 | Charismatic Leadership and Inspirational Leadership – Which Do You Want? with Peter Docker Click to Tweet: Listening to an amazing episode on Leaders in the Trenches with @GeneHammett @peterdocker #InspirationalLeadership #Focus #Episode133 #Podcasts Give Leaders in the Trenches a review on iTunes!  

This is part 2 in our follow-up series on the first centuries in Church History. We're concentrating on the persecution Jesus' followers endured. In part 1, we examined the social & civic reasons for persecution in the Roman Empire.The suspicion of nefarious intent by Christians, fueled by their withdrawal from society due to its tacit connection to paganism, morphed into a suspicion of covert actions Jesus' followers were taking to subvert society. Why were Christians so secretive if they weren't in fact doing something wrong? And if the rumors were true, Christians WERE doing odd things; like pretending slaves had the same dignity as freemen; that women and children were to be honored as equal to men; and they rescued exposed infants. Why, if they kept all that up, and more joined their cause, what was to become of the world? It would look very different from the one that had been.Another concern was the reaction of the gods. What would they do if the Christians had their way and everyone came to faith in a single deity? Those gods and goddesses, responsible as they were for things like weather and fertility, might throw one of their classic hissy-fits and call up a drought, a storm, or war.All this helps explain the 1st official wave of persecution at Roman hands. In AD 64, during Nero's reign, fire leveled whole neighborhoods in Rome. This was neither the 1st nor last fire to devastated the City. But it was one of the most severe. For days it raged leaving a large part of the heart of Rome in ash. A rumor pointed the finger at Nero as the cause of the fire. It was well known that he planned a grand re-modelling of the City. What matter if his plans were hindered by several thousands homes. Seeing the fiction that as Emperor, he could do as he please beginning to crumble in the face of a quickly rising public rage, Nero searched for a scapegoat. He found a ready one in a group that was already under suspicion. Convenient that they held some belief in the end of the world by fire.Large numbers of Christians were arrested. Then crucifixions began. When that got boring, they were sewn inside skins of cattle and torn apart by vicious dogs. Women were tied to bulls and dragged to death. One report says at night, Nero tied Christians to stakes in his garden, doused them with pitch, then lit them ablaze while he rode among them in his chariot.Most likely, it's during this persecution the apostles Paul & Peter were martyred in Rome.This first wave of official persecution was uncommon for the 1st & 2nd Cs, but it did presage what was to come later. For long periods Christians enjoyed a measure of peace. But they knew persecution could break out at any moment. All it took was some influential person taking umbrage & the arrests started up again. Because being a Christian was technically illegal.Things remained relatively quiet until the early 2nd C. Then a question began to rise over whether or not Rome ought to take a firmer hand in dealing with the Christians. After all, no one could ignore that fact that they were growing in numbers. Especially concerning was the number of soldiers converting to the new faith. What effect would their religion have on their fitness to serve in the legions?As I shared in Season 1, in ad 112 Pliny, a governor in Asia Minor, wrote his friend the Emperor Trajan, asking advice in how to deal with followers of Christ. He was sure Christians were guilty of something. He just wasn't sure what. He put no stock whatever in the wild rumors they were incestuous or cannibals.He wrote, “I do not know just what to do with the Christians, for I have never been present at one of their trials. Is just being a Christian enough to punish, or must something bad actually have been done? What I have done, in the case of those who admitted they were Christians, was to order them sent to Rome, if citizens; if not, to have them killed. I was sure they deserved to be punished because they were so stubborn.”What stubbornness did Pliny mean? HOW did these early Christians exhibit such stubbornness. What was it they were being required to do they couldn't?That arose from their failure to laud the Emperor's genius – as it was called. The main cause of Rome's persecution of Jesus' followers came about from the tradition of emperor worship. The contest between Christ & Caesar didn't happen overnight. It rose gradually because the PRACTICE of emperor worship rose gradually to attain a central place in the life of the Empire.The roots of emperor worship lay in how Romans viewed the benefit of their hegemony. When & where they took over, a mostly impartial justice arrived. People were freed from the caprice of fickle tyrants. Roads were cleared of bandits, the seas of pirates. A superior security came to most regions. This came to be called Pax Romana, the Roman peace. But it was a peace enforced by a very sharp and deadly sword.Many regions held a profound gratitude to Rome for disposing of their previous rulers & replacing them with, if not out-right benevolent governors, at least their avarice was restrained. Because they already believed in a host of deities, it was easy to make one more – Roma, goddess of Rome. By the 2nd C BC there were dozens of temples in Asia Minor to her. But humans like symbols, something they can see. So it wasn't long before the spirit of Rome was regarded as imbuing the Empire's leader – the Emperor. He was Rome. The first temple built to the godhead of the emperor was built in 29 bc at Pergamum in Asia Minor.At first Roman emperors hesitated to accept this reverence. In the mid-1st C, Claudius refused to allow temples to be erected to him because of the ostentatiousness they suggested. But the idea grew began to grow and became attractive to later emperors.The logic was that the Empire needed something to unite its far-flung provinces in a single, uniform practice. A kind of Pledge of Allegiance. Since nothing has the potential to unite like a common religion; Caesar-worship seemed a ready tool to forge loyalty. There was just no chance any of the disparate religions of the various regions of the Empire would be accepted by all, why not rally under the one things they'd all embraced – the political yoke of Rome. So emperor-worship became a centerpiece of imperial policy. It was officially organized in every province. Everywhere temples to the Emperor appeared.BUT – if loyalty to Rome was announced by worshipping the Emperor, what did a refusal to worship him mean? Logic seemed to leave a single answer – Treason! So Christians who refused to offer a pinch of incense while saying “Caesar is Lord” were branded as dangerous traitors. Subversives whose presence couldn't just be overlooked, for surely the gods were watching and required those who defied them to be punished.During the reign of the Emperor Decius in the mid 3rd C, Caesar worship was made universal & compulsory for everyone in the Empire with the single exception of the Jews. On a set day each year everyone had to come to the Temple of Caesar & burn a pinch of incense while saying: “Caesar is Lord.” He was then given a libelli, a certificate to guarantee he'd taken the oath and sworn by the Emperor's genius. He could then go and worship any god he liked, so long as the worship didn't affect public decency and order.Caesar worship was mainly a political loyalty test; a way to register someone as a “good citizen” at least as Rome defined it. But of course, it proved nothing about a person's real loyalty. Christians, who COULDN'T participate in Caesar-worship were in fact, often better citizens than those who took the oath. Because their Holy Writings enjoined them to pray for those in authority.Roman coins from that time have text given in adulation by Romans to the emperor remarkably similar to the praise Christians offered Christ. These coins, say things like, “Hail, Lord of the Earth, Invincible, Power, Glory, Honor, Blessed, Great, Worthy art Thou to inherit the kingdom.” That sounds an awful lot like praise directed to Jesus in Revelation.The Worship of Christ & Caesar butted heads. No pious Christian would ever say was: “Caesar is Lord.” Jesus alone was Lord. But to most Romans, Christians seemed stupidly intolerant. Just go along to get along for goodness sake!“For goodness sake; if there really is only 1 God as you Christians claim, then what harm is there in burning a pinch of incense & mouthing empty words. It'll at least remove the suspicious & hostile eye of Rome from you!”While an imminently practical idea to many Romans, it was unthinkable to most Christians. Although some in fact DID use this as justification for obtaining a libelli.But most Christians saw it more like this: Saying Caesar is Lord was spiritual adultery; it was cheating on Jesus. Burning incense and taking the oath would be like cheating on your spouse, and justifying by saying there was no love involved; it was just sex.è That dog's just not gonna' hunt!Something for us to ponder is how this contest between Caesar and Christ which began near the start of the Church will, according to a Futurist interpretation, come round again at the end. In the Book of Revelation, John presents a major struggle between the forces of heaven and hell with Earth being the battlefield. It's a contest of kingdoms; God's and the devil's, with satan's merging with a political empire intent on wiping out believers. Historicists see that as having been fulfilled in the early centuries of the church. Futurists see it as something yet future, a recapitulation of what's already happened but on a much wider scale.The earliest phase of official persecution of the Church ran from about AD 64 to 100.As already mentioned, it was touched off by the fire at Rome. The fire began July 19, 64 and lasted for 9 days. It destroyed 10 of Rome's 14 districts and created massive suffering for the City's million inhabitants. To divert attention from himself as the likely cause of the fire, the Emperor Nero blamed the Christians who were already suspect due to their secretiveness; and the report that they claimed the world would end in fire. If they wanted to end in fire, Nero was happy to oblige and used them as living torches in the gardens near his circus in the Vaticanus district. Both Peter and Paul were executed during this wave of persecution.The Neronian persecution, as it's come to be called, is notable in that it set a precedent for why the followers of Jesus were to be persecuted. Though the program of persecution didn't really extend beyond Rome, Christians IN the City were subject to arrest and execution on the charge they were arsonists; fire being dread in Rome due to the its tendency to spread so rapidly form one house to the next.After the first flurry of arrests and executions in the mid to late 60's persecution diminished for some years, only to flare up again in 95, during Domitian's reign. But this wave of hardship didn't begin with Christians; it began with Jews, whom at that point Christians were still regarded as a reform movement of. Jews refused to pay a new tax levied to fund construction of Jupiter's temple on the Capitoline Hill. Domitian decided to use this break with the obstinate Jews to enforce emperor worship. When they refused to take the oath, Christians were arrested for treason. Those arrested lost their property, many were banished, and others were executed; especially leaders. It was at this time the Apostle John was exiled to the prison-island of Patmos. Legend says John had been arrested by zealous officials hopeful to ingratiate themselves with the Emperor. They thought to execute John by boiling him in oil; sure to terrorize other would-be Christians leaders into submission. But God miraculously turned the experienced into a day at the spa. John came out with not hint of distress. Then fearful of whatever deity had preserved him John was bundled up and packed off to the one place he could do the least amount of damage – on a lonely prison-island in the middle of the Med. At least there his influence will be negated, right? Well, good luck with that plan you all-wise officials! It was on Patmos John received the visions that became Revelation, and which provided courage and succor to millions of persecuted believers ever since.It wasn't really till the early 2nd C that Rome established a policy for dealing with Christians.A lawyer named Pliny, known to history as the Younger, because his famous uncle was known as Pliny, can you guess – yep, the Elder. The uncle was a famous author & philosopher. The Younger Pliny was as governor in northern Asia Minor from 111–13. Something of a revival must have taken place during his term as governor because there was a massive defection from paganism swelling the ranks of the Christians. Pliny was of a mind that to be a good Roman meant to hold that civic virtue we looked at last time – pietas; which meant adhering to the paganism still an official part of the Roman cultus. So many people forsaking the old gods was surely bad for the Empire. So Pliny gave anyone accused of, or who claimed to be a Christians 3 chances to recant; each time with increasing threats of punishment if they refused. If they resisted recantation after 3 warnings, they were executed.But Pliny was unsure of this treatment accurately reflected the wishes of the one to whom he owed his office as governor – the Emperor Trajan. He wrote the Emperor asking for advice. Trajan responded that Pliny wasn't to make it a policy to go on a search & destroy mission for Jesus' followers. But if & when they happened to be brought to him, having been convicted of being a Christians, they were to be punished, some by torture to encourage recantation, the obstinate were executed. Trajan added that anonymous charges weren't to be entertained; the accuser had to face the accused. This is the first real evidence we have of an official policy regarding Christians. It wasn't long until officials across the Empire used Trajan's guidelines in dealing with Christians. Many were martyred, including the Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, who in 115 was thrown to beasts in the arena at Rome.Trajan's successor, Hadrian generally continued Trajan's policy from 117 to 138. I say generally, because Hadrian didn't send out letters telling local officials to stay on task in regard to Christians. Some governors hated the new sect and used their official cover to persecute them. Most governors didn't really care. Christians weren't causing any troubles – so why kick a hornet's nest? They left believers alone. But if suddenly there was a leanness in the ranks of fighters for the arena, well, they could always crank up another round of persecution, snag some Christians as fodder for the arena. And besides, the Church was getting pretty big – time to trim the hedge.Occasionally at heathen festivals the mob would drink too much and want some entertainment, so they'd demand the blood of Christians. This became so common, Hadrian published an edict against such riots. Christians couldn't'; just be roused by the mob out of their homes or meeting places & carried off to some temple or arena where their heads were used to crack rocks. No, Christians were to be given the justice of the courts. They could be executed for being Christians, but only after being properly charged and tried. During Hadrian's reign, this policy saw the ranks of Christians grow, their wealth improve, their scholarship advance & their influence spread.From 139-161, the Emperor Antoninus Pius appears to have personally favored Jesus' followers. But officially he continued the precedent of imperial policy. What that means is, little direction was coming from Rome about how Christians were to be handled. Persecution at this time was sporadic, regional, and temporary. It might flare up for a few months with mobs rioting and demanding Christian blood, then several years would go by with nary a whisper of threat. A student of the Apostle John, Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, was martyred in this way; when a mob rioted and demanded some Christians pay for their defiance of the old ways and gods.Let's call this period, the time of provincial persecution.We'll end this episode here, and pick it up at this point next time as we continue to track persecution in the First Centuries.